A small Kris

blue lander · 7th April 2015, 03:53 PM

Here's one more picture next to a tape measure for a sense of proportion.

Ian · 7th April 2015, 05:04 PM

I agree with Rick. This looks like a late 19th/early 20th C Maranao kris. There is an obvious visible line that suggests a separate gangya.

The apparent shortness of a kris like this is not uncommon (yours is not really that much shorter than many kris), even on relatively modern kris. We tend to look at the more massive examples from the late 19th C and consider them the norm, but smaller versions have been made through the 19th and into the 20th C.

Whether shorter versions are intended for children, or perhaps women (Moro women did fight beside the men in defense of their homes), is hard to say.

Ian.

Rick · 7th April 2015, 05:09 PM

I think it's a full sized kris .

Most of my full size Moro krises measure around 21-22 inches blade length .

blue lander · 7th April 2015, 05:17 PM

Cool, thanks. What do you suppose the hilt is wrapped with? It looks almost like a bandage.

Is it worth cleaning/etching? That is, is there a chance it isn't mono steel?

Sajen · 7th April 2015, 06:07 PM

Hello Blue,
agree with Rick and Ian. And I see also the evidence of a seperate gangya. The chance that the blade is laminated is great but you need to remove all rust and the blade need a good polish. The wrapping at the handle isn't original.
I think this kris is a nice learning exercise for restauration. Keep us updated!

Regards,
Detlef

Rick · 7th April 2015, 08:14 PM

That is a very nice banati(?) wood pommel; looks complete with no chips .
Cato attributes this larger style (IIRC), to the mid-late 19th, and calls it 'Danganan' form; but his description seems a bit vague to me .

Maybe the larger pommel makes a normal sized blade look a bit small .

blue lander · 7th April 2015, 08:24 PM

I'll give it a nice light scrubbing and polish... The pitting looks too deep to do anything about. Is the hot vinegar treatment the best way to get an etch out of this?

Rick · 7th April 2015, 08:39 PM

I believe the furniture is silver; this was probably once a very nice sword .
Then again any of these old soldiers that have survived have intrinsic worth .

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moro_Re...2.80.931913.29

Sajen · 7th April 2015, 08:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blue lander

I'll give it a nice light scrubbing and polish... The pitting looks too deep to do anything about. Is the hot vinegar treatment the best way to get an etch out of this?

Don't be to fast. I still see hard crusted corrosion on the blade. The deep pitting you of course don't will get polished away. Maybe try to bath the blade inside lemon acid or vinegar essence to remove all corrosion. After this is done polish the blade with fine sandpaper. When this is done you can etch the blade. For the etching do a little bit search in old threads, there are different etching solutions which can be used. Like Rick I think this kris is worth to be preserved.

Regards,
Detlef

7th April 2015, 03:53 PM	#1
blue lander Member Join Date: Nov 2013 Posts: 456	Here's one more picture next to a tape measure for a sense of proportion. Attached Images

7th April 2015, 08:14 PM	#6
Rick Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 6,347	That is a very nice banati(?) wood pommel; looks complete with no chips . Cato attributes this larger style (IIRC), to the mid-late 19th, and calls it 'Danganan' form; but his description seems a bit vague to me . Maybe the larger pommel makes a normal sized blade look a bit small . Last edited by Rick; 7th April 2015 at 08:28 PM.

7th April 2015, 08:39 PM	#8
Rick Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 6,347	I believe the furniture is silver; this was probably once a very nice sword . Then again any of these old soldiers that have survived have intrinsic worth . http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moro_Re...2.80.931913.29 Last edited by Rick; 7th April 2015 at 08:56 PM.

7th April 2015, 05:04 PM	#2
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,453	I agree with Rick. This looks like a late 19th/early 20th C Maranao kris. There is an obvious visible line that suggests a separate gangya. The apparent shortness of a kris like this is not uncommon (yours is not really that much shorter than many kris), even on relatively modern kris. We tend to look at the more massive examples from the late 19th C and consider them the norm, but smaller versions have been made through the 19th and into the 20th C. Whether shorter versions are intended for children, or perhaps women (Moro women did fight beside the men in defense of their homes), is hard to say. Ian.

7th April 2015, 05:09 PM	#3
Rick Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 6,347	I think it's a full sized kris . Most of my full size Moro krises measure around 21-22 inches blade length .

7th April 2015, 05:17 PM	#4
blue lander Member Join Date: Nov 2013 Posts: 456	Cool, thanks. What do you suppose the hilt is wrapped with? It looks almost like a bandage. Is it worth cleaning/etching? That is, is there a chance it isn't mono steel?

7th April 2015, 06:07 PM	#5
Sajen Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Germany, Dortmund Posts: 9,272	Hello Blue, agree with Rick and Ian. And I see also the evidence of a seperate gangya. The chance that the blade is laminated is great but you need to remove all rust and the blade need a good polish. The wrapping at the handle isn't original. I think this kris is a nice learning exercise for restauration. Keep us updated! Regards, Detlef

7th April 2015, 08:24 PM	#7
blue lander Member Join Date: Nov 2013 Posts: 456	I'll give it a nice light scrubbing and polish... The pitting looks too deep to do anything about. Is the hot vinegar treatment the best way to get an etch out of this?