Luzon or Bandung?

Ian · 22nd January 2022, 06:09 PM

Hello Peter,

I think the style is much more likely Javanese than Filipino. The blade appears to have a pattern that could benefit from etching. Very nice engraving on the scabbard.

David · 22nd January 2022, 06:32 PM

I agree with Ian. The motifs on this sheath look Javanese to me, not Luzon or any other culture from the Philippines and the form of this clearly looks like a West Javanese Gobang Bandung to me.

CharlesS · 22nd January 2022, 07:06 PM

I agree with both of the above. I would call it a Javanese gobang Bandung, from top to bottom, and a VERY nice one. Did you etch the blade, Peter?

Peter Andeweg · 22nd January 2022, 07:56 PM

Thank you for your comments gentlemen, I was leaning towards Gobang Bandung, but this piece is not really a textbook example.
I did a light etch on the blade to reveal the pamoresque pattern.

CharlesS · 22nd January 2022, 08:17 PM

Peter, I can certainly see why this one would give you pause to rethink it, but I believe we can look at it safely as a gobang variant.

kai · 22nd January 2022, 08:23 PM

I agree that this sword is from western Java; not a traditional highland design though. For example, the chains and the belt hook are a colonial affectation and the silverwork seems to be from the coast.

Regards,
Kai

Battara · 22nd January 2022, 09:47 PM

Yes definitely NOT Filipino. However it is very nice!

Athanase · 23rd January 2022, 12:11 AM

Whaaaa!

Very nice west javanese Gobang !!

22nd January 2022, 06:09 PM	#1
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,361	Hello Peter, I think the style is much more likely Javanese than Filipino. The blade appears to have a pattern that could benefit from etching. Very nice engraving on the scabbard.

22nd January 2022, 06:32 PM	#2
David Keris forum moderator Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Nova Scotia Posts: 7,211	I agree with Ian. The motifs on this sheath look Javanese to me, not Luzon or any other culture from the Philippines and the form of this clearly looks like a West Javanese Gobang Bandung to me.

22nd January 2022, 07:06 PM	#3
CharlesS Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Greenville, NC Posts: 1,854	I agree with both of the above. I would call it a Javanese gobang Bandung, from top to bottom, and a VERY nice one. Did you etch the blade, Peter?

22nd January 2022, 07:56 PM	#4
Peter Andeweg Member Join Date: Feb 2020 Location: Vlissingen, Netherlands Posts: 71	Thank you for your comments gentlemen, I was leaning towards Gobang Bandung, but this piece is not really a textbook example. I did a light etch on the blade to reveal the pamoresque pattern.

22nd January 2022, 08:17 PM	#5
CharlesS Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Greenville, NC Posts: 1,854	Peter, I can certainly see why this one would give you pause to rethink it, but I believe we can look at it safely as a gobang variant.

22nd January 2022, 08:23 PM	#6
kai Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 3,255	I agree that this sword is from western Java; not a traditional highland design though. For example, the chains and the belt hook are a colonial affectation and the silverwork seems to be from the coast. Regards, Kai

22nd January 2022, 09:47 PM	#7
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,272	Yes definitely NOT Filipino. However it is very nice!

23rd January 2022, 12:11 AM	#8
Athanase Member Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: Paris (France) Posts: 417	Whaaaa! Very nice west javanese Gobang !!