Strange Sumatran/Moro keris? kris? dagger? with a Dutch blade?

kai · 9th May 2008, 11:33 PM

2nd try...

(Pics courtesy of Alan and Dominique.)

Bill M · 10th May 2008, 02:12 AM

Thank you DaveS and Kai. Phillip Tom also saw it.

Dave, in the unlikely event I ever let it go, I will let you know first.

Especially thanks to Kai for the explanation of the VOC markings on the blade. I really have no problem with the hole in the blade, just curiosity.

If only these pieces could talk! What stories!

Kai, what kind of specialized lab would find the missing digit?

asomotif · 10th May 2008, 09:11 AM

Quote:

Well, you know he may be lurking somewhere, ready to spring from some darkened niche! Dressed as a Sumatran/Moro, yelling in Dutch!

Well Bill,

I like tribal art and tribal weapons because every object is different and indeed it makes one curious for the past of an object.

In that aspect this is one of the most interesting pieces i have ever seen.

Once more congrats !

Best regards,
Willem

Battara · 10th May 2008, 05:42 PM

Yes this is a fascinating puppy - almost got it when I saw here in Louisville....

Bill M · 10th May 2008, 06:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Battara

Yes this is a fascinating puppy - almost got it when I saw here in Louisville....

GOD! This piece has gotten around more than my ex-wife!!

But thanks, all. It is an interesting piece. Should I go hang it on a nail?

kai · 10th May 2008, 09:40 PM

Hello Bill,

Quote:

Should I go hang it on a nail?

Better use a screw with one of those weird heads - that will help more than the lion to keep it in place...

I'm not sure what would be the best approach to reveal the missing digit which is hidden below the forge weld. There are ways to examine wether a steel has hidden flaws and some of these should also work for this task. (I'm assuming that remnants of that digit are still present since the welding seems to be less than perfect which should make this fairly easy in the hands of an expert.)

BTW, the most likely date is 1746. It also could be 1646 but that would be pretty early, indeed. (In the 18th century there were a lot more VOC blades in circulation than in the 17th c.)

I also like those Batak blades - keep them coming!

Regards,
Kai

Battara · 11th May 2008, 02:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bill Marsh

GOD! This piece has gotten around more than my ex-wife!!

You know Bill, come to think of it.......

Bill M · 10th May 2008, 07:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by asomotif

Well Bill,

I like tribal art and tribal weapons because every object is different and indeed it makes one curious for the past of an object.

In that aspect this is one of the most interesting pieces i have ever seen.

Once more congrats !

Best regards,
Willem

Thanks, Willem,

I have two Batak swords I'll be posting soon. I bet that you like at least ONE of them also!

9th May 2008, 11:33 PM	#1
kai Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 3,255	2nd try... (Pics courtesy of Alan and Dominique.) Attached Images

10th May 2008, 02:12 AM	#2
Bill M Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: USA Georgia Posts: 1,599	Thank you DaveS and Kai. Phillip Tom also saw it. Dave, in the unlikely event I ever let it go, I will let you know first. Especially thanks to Kai for the explanation of the VOC markings on the blade. I really have no problem with the hole in the blade, just curiosity. If only these pieces could talk! What stories! Kai, what kind of specialized lab would find the missing digit?

10th May 2008, 05:42 PM	#4
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,308	Yes this is a fascinating puppy - almost got it when I saw here in Louisville....