Pajang Keris

[Jean]

Originally Posted by kai

BTW, Jean's second blade does look unusual and a close-up of the base of the blade would also be very interesting!

Regards,
Kai

Hello Kai,
Pics of the base of the 2 blades as per your request. The blades may look brand new but they are not (originally covered with black rust and just cleaned in vinegar & scrubbed with kitchen cream).
Regards

[kai]

Hello Jean,

Thanks for the pics!

Pics of the base of the 2 blades as per your request. The blades may look brand new but they are not (originally covered with black rust and just cleaned in vinegar & scrubbed with kitchen cream).

Yes, 55A; you swapped the hilt though.

Have you tried to etch them? Usually, I prefer these blades to show some activity (even if limited as typical for the region and blade style).

The keris panjang with the wooden scabbard is a really sweet, typical example with well above-average blade and very nice hilt! The scroll work at the base is typical (note some loss to the greneng from long-time wear).

The example with silver-covered scabbard has a variant blade that I have a really tough time to place. Quite possibly from Sumatra and genuinely antique but I'm far from certain that all is Minang workmanship. BTW, which town does the provenance point to?

The greneng are based on the traditional layout but with some kinks; also the crisp short sogokan are really unusual. Has anyone seen anything similar?

Regards,
Kai

[Jean]

Hello Kai,
Thanks for your comments.
I replaced the hilt of the silver panjang kris indeed as the original one was dyed and may be made from synthetic materials...
The blade is not Minang for sure but it looks old, and the scabbard is more recent. The Minang story was told to me by the Dutch seller but I cannot guarantee it .... Anyway the silver work is of good quality and most probably made in Sumatra.
I had some bahari blades lightly etched in Java for achieving a more "antique" look but they appear dull after treatment.
Regards