New acquisition; Sundang for comment

[drac2k]

Thank you all for the wealth of information and the complements.

[Sajen]

Hello Drac2k,

very nice kris indeed and I agree with the others, late 19th century until early 20th century, very nice blade.

At some pictures is to seen that there are traces of an old wrapping under the hilt fittings, can you tell which material it is? On the pictures is look like leather which would be unusual and also would confirm that the hilt fittings of later date IMHO. Personally I would give the hilt a new cord wrapping between the metal rings. Are you going to etch the blade?

Regards,
Detlef

[RSWORD]

Nice sword. The blade would benefit from a light etch because I am pretty sure I am seeing signs of twistcore in the center panel. Dave, have a good close look at that center section in good sunlight and see if you can see the pattern.

[drac2k]

Wow, you guys are observant. I looked at the material under the bands on the hilt and while it could be some type of cloth or a fish skin, I think it may be a very, very thin leather, with spots darkened by corrosion from previous older or missing bands from the handle.
I thought that the blade might have some type of patterning, but many times that is wishful thinking ;however after holding it under strong natural light, I can say that the center panel is indeed twist core.
I will not etch the blade, as I do not know what I am doing and would not risk harming it.

[Sajen]

Originally Posted by drac2k

.... ;however after holding it under strong natural light, I can say that the center panel is indeed twist core.
I will not etch the blade, as I do not know what I am doing and would not risk harming it.

Hello Drac2k,

you couldn't harm the blade when you follow my advice: use a solution from 20% vinegar essence with water, heat it and brush the warm blade with a brush until you see the effect. When you don't like it you can scrub the blade with steel wool until the lamination effect is gone since the effect is only superficial, there isn't any risk to harm the blade, believe me. Don't forget to neutralize the blade with baking soda or soap. An only light scrub with steel wool give the blade back a shiny surface. When you never try it you never will learn it! This blade is worth to show the twist core lamination.

Best regards,
Detlef

[CharlesS]

Originally Posted by RSWORD

Nice sword. The blade would benefit from a light etch because I am pretty sure I am seeing signs of twistcore in the center panel. Dave, have a good close look at that center section in good sunlight and see if you can see the pattern.

Anytime I see well executed fullers, especially silver filled, I am curious about twistcore. Of course it is no guarantee, but it is certainly worth the effort to find out.

Agreeing with Kino and Dave, this was all "born together". It's a shame the cording has worn, but it also confirms age.

Maguindanao blades are typically beefy and wicked sharp...this one looks no different.

Congrats on a good piece!

[CCUAL]

Nice kris.

[drac2k]

Thanks, the sword is "wicked sharp." Thank you Sajen for the advice on how to etch, however I think that I'll experiment with something else before tackling this one.
Wow , looking at your sword, almost makes me want to try !

[David]

Originally Posted by drac2k

Thanks, the sword is "wicked sharp." Thank you Sajen for the advice on how to etch, however I think that I'll experiment with something else before tackling this one.
Wow , looking at your sword, almost makes me want to try !

It is really as simple as Detlef suggests Drac. Working with vinegar you really can't screw it up. It is too weak an acid to do any damage to the sword and if you don't like the results you can simply buff it off with fine grade steel wool.

[kino]

I would make sure the silver inlays are flush and firm within the channels, you don't want to risk snagging a stray with a steel wool thread and pulling it out.