Sulawesi penai or other klewang(?)

JeffS · 21st January 2025, 09:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sajen

Really not Jeff?

See here: http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...ighlight=penai

I would guess that the penai in question is from the mid 19th century, a very good catch!

Regards,
Detlef

Ah I forgot about that!

Sajen · 21st January 2025, 07:19 PM

Hello Werecow,

A very nice penai with a rare handle form. The tin foil on the scabbard was reserved for renowned headhunters, see also here: http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...ighlight=penai
Therefore also my dating, early to mid. 19th century.

Great score on it, congrats!

Regards,
Detlef

werecow · 22nd January 2025, 01:34 AM

Thanks guys, that's very helpful! And a very interesting note on the tin foil there Detlef. Glad to hear I snagged up a good one and an oldie.

I think given that bit of history I will leave those bits of adhesive in place and simply repair the crack in the way Jeff suggests and give the blade itself a light clean just to remove any active rust.
I'm not sure how to go about replacing the rattan since I've never done this before, but maybe I'll do that in the not too distant future. If anyone knows of a good tutorial (video is probably the easiest to learn from in lieu of knowing someone with actual experience personally) that would be very helpful.
Should the scabbard wood be oiled, and if so, what would you recommend?

21st January 2025, 07:19 PM	#2
Sajen Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Germany, Dortmund Posts: 9,164	Hello Werecow, A very nice penai with a rare handle form. The tin foil on the scabbard was reserved for renowned headhunters, see also here: http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...ighlight=penai Therefore also my dating, early to mid. 19th century. Great score on it, congrats! Regards, Detlef

22nd January 2025, 01:34 AM	#3
werecow Member Join Date: Sep 2021 Location: Leiden, NL Posts: 553	Thanks guys, that's very helpful! And a very interesting note on the tin foil there Detlef. Glad to hear I snagged up a good one and an oldie. I think given that bit of history I will leave those bits of adhesive in place and simply repair the crack in the way Jeff suggests and give the blade itself a light clean just to remove any active rust. I'm not sure how to go about replacing the rattan since I've never done this before, but maybe I'll do that in the not too distant future. If anyone knows of a good tutorial (video is probably the easiest to learn from in lieu of knowing someone with actual experience personally) that would be very helpful. Should the scabbard wood be oiled, and if so, what would you recommend?