Rencong for comments

mariusgmioc · 23rd July 2017, 06:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kai

Hello Marius,

This is a later example, probably from the second half of the 20th century.

The blade is reasonably done but shows the flow of lines and details of, say, the post-WW2 period.

The hilt and scabbard show more differences compared to antique examples. The floral decoration seems more of a general Malay style and I'm not convinced these were crafted in Aceh. There was (and still is) quite a local Chinese/Malay industry in Medan producing old-looking pieces for the curio market.

Regards,
Kai

Thank you Kai for your comments. Yes, the rencong is definitely quite recent, as you said post WWII.

Had no idea about the hilt and the scabbard as I am not familiar with the traditional patterns.

Thank you once more!

Battara · 24th July 2017, 05:08 AM

I must back up what Kai says about the later make.

mariusgmioc · 24th July 2017, 08:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Battara

I must back up what Kai says about the later make.

Thank you!

Sajen · 24th July 2017, 08:29 PM

Hello Marius,

is this the original picture from the auction? When it is I think that it is older as before suggested.

Regards,
Detlef

mariusgmioc · 25th July 2017, 02:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sajen

Hello Marius,

is this the original picture from the auction? When it is I think that it is older as before suggested.

Regards,
Detlef

Hello Detlef,

Yes, that is it! The original photo from the auction house.

Marius

Sajen · 25th July 2017, 03:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mariusgmioc

Yes, that is it! The original photo from the auction house.

Hello Marius,

I disagree with the others, I think that the receng in question is pre WWII. And sorry, the auction picture is more meaningful.

The statement from the auction house (1920) seems to be a good guess IMVHO.

Regards,
Detlef

kai · 26th July 2017, 01:29 PM

Hello Detlef,

Thanks for adding the pic!

The auction house didn't gave any support for their estimate - with them confounding horn and bone, I don't see any reason to put much trust in their descriptions...

The blade is quite nicely done, indeed. However, it does show the flow of lines and details of later rencong; also note the forging flaws at the bolster. It may predate WW2 a bit - however, much more important is that it does appear to be made by an Aceh bladesmith.

BTW, the Chinese/Malay souvenir industry in Medan was already in full swing by the late 19th century! I'm pretty sure the fittings were done there (post-WW2).

Still, the genuine blade certainly makes this later example collectable.

Regards,
Kai

24th July 2017, 08:29 PM	#4
Sajen Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Germany, Dortmund Posts: 9,415	Hello Marius, is this the original picture from the auction? When it is I think that it is older as before suggested. Regards, Detlef Attached Images

24th July 2017, 05:08 AM	#2
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,345	I must back up what Kai says about the later make.

26th July 2017, 01:29 PM	#7
kai Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 3,255	Hello Detlef, Thanks for adding the pic! The auction house didn't gave any support for their estimate - with them confounding horn and bone, I don't see any reason to put much trust in their descriptions... The blade is quite nicely done, indeed. However, it does show the flow of lines and details of later rencong; also note the forging flaws at the bolster. It may predate WW2 a bit - however, much more important is that it does appear to be made by an Aceh bladesmith. BTW, the Chinese/Malay souvenir industry in Medan was already in full swing by the late 19th century! I'm pretty sure the fittings were done there (post-WW2). Still, the genuine blade certainly makes this later example collectable. Regards, Kai