Indonesian sword ID request

JeffS · 27th March 2023, 12:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ian

Hi Jeff,

I think that's a good looking sword and similar in blade style to some of the locally made precursors of the "Dutch klewang." Hard to say when it was made, but I would guess at late 19th C. You would have a better idea being able to inspect it directly.

Colonially influenced local swords are an interesting topic, and SE Asia is a fertile area to find examples.

Thank you. Any thoughts on where it is from?

Sajen · 27th March 2023, 04:02 PM

Nice one Jeff!

I would guess a Javanese origin.

Regards,
Detlef

kai · 27th March 2023, 05:33 PM

I assume you're referring to the island of Java as a whole rather than to Tanah Jawa, Detlef?

Anyway, I'd certainly include Sunda and Madura as likely origins. And it could also originate from any other location with heavy European/Dutch influence, I believe.

Pretty nice brass work - looking forward to seeing any similar examples!

Regards,
Kai

milandro · 27th March 2023, 06:06 PM

then Tjikeroeh has to be one of the possible origins

kai · 27th March 2023, 06:28 PM

Hello André,

Quote:

then Tjikeroeh has to be one of the possible origins

Their steel does look different. And also this kind of brass work would be unusual.

It either predates their main (and marked) production or more likely originates from some other craftsman/area.

Regards,
Kai

Sajen · 27th March 2023, 06:36 PM

This sword was offered to me privately from Indonesia recently. It was found on Sumba.

milandro · 27th March 2023, 09:18 PM

I had asword with an almost identical hilt and basket , but that one came almost certainly from Lombok (different blade)

Gavin Nugent · 28th March 2023, 01:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sajen

This sword was offered to me privately from Indonesia recently. It was found on Sumba.

Silver type, manufacture style, along side of the hilt type, and size, I too feel this is Lombok.... the applied dragon is very atypical though...

I've a Lombok Klewang here, 100% native made that is a faithful mirror of the Dutch types in size, shapes and proportions, but with a subtle differences in the grip shape (which look like a man in prayer), fullering, and that the blade has some personal intricacies, piercings and talismanic markings... sitting is a dark Saracen finish, possibly its original warangan,

Sajen · 27th March 2023, 06:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kai

I assume you're referring to the island of Java as a whole rather than to Tanah Jawa, Detlef?

Yes Kai! Including Madura.

Regards,
Detlef

27th March 2023, 06:36 PM	#6
Sajen Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Germany, Dortmund Posts: 9,272	This sword was offered to me privately from Indonesia recently. It was found on Sumba. Attached Images

27th March 2023, 04:02 PM	#2
Sajen Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Germany, Dortmund Posts: 9,272	Nice one Jeff! I would guess a Javanese origin. Regards, Detlef

27th March 2023, 05:33 PM	#3
kai Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 3,255	I assume you're referring to the island of Java as a whole rather than to Tanah Jawa, Detlef? Anyway, I'd certainly include Sunda and Madura as likely origins. And it could also originate from any other location with heavy European/Dutch influence, I believe. Pretty nice brass work - looking forward to seeing any similar examples! Regards, Kai

27th March 2023, 06:06 PM	#4
milandro Member Join Date: Jan 2022 Location: Netherlands Posts: 497	then Tjikeroeh has to be one of the possible origins

27th March 2023, 09:18 PM	#7
milandro Member Join Date: Jan 2022 Location: Netherlands Posts: 497	I had asword with an almost identical hilt and basket , but that one came almost certainly from Lombok (different blade)