Sword from Java or Sumatra/blade inscribed with words

Harold · 31st August 2008, 03:07 PM

Who can confirm if this sword indeed comes from Atjeh?
I received the following remark from someone who knows a lot of Atjeh:
" A small detail in favour of the sword being from Aceh is the use of suasa (mixture of gold and copper on the hilt. That was a favourite decorative metal of the Acehnese. Mind you, my knowledge of swords from other parts of Sumatra is very limited, so take that with a grain of salt."

Thanks,

Harold

PS Thanks for your help Dom.

asomotif · 18th September 2008, 01:00 PM

Hello Forumites,

Anyone around that can give some info on the fittings of this sword.

Based on the blade and the crossguard, I would say Javanese pedang

But the scabbard and handle are not in Javanese styl (IMV(ery)HO

)

Personally these fittings make me think of chinese swords.
But I am sure there are some forumites that can correct on on this.

Any help ?

Best regards,
Willem

CharlesS · 18th September 2008, 02:37 PM

The blade style here certainly seems pedang lurus-like in appearance, but almost moves to be a more yataghan-like tusuk form.

While the hilt and scabbard are not typically Javanese in appearance, I would hazard a guess that they are an artist's interpretations of an "art deco" decor for an otherwise traditional sword.

I agree that it probably is Javanese and likely comparatively late, not much more than 100 years old, if that.

It is a lovely, and graceful piece.

31st August 2008, 03:07 PM	#1
Harold Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 7	Who can confirm if this sword indeed comes from Atjeh? Who can confirm if this sword indeed comes from Atjeh? I received the following remark from someone who knows a lot of Atjeh: " A small detail in favour of the sword being from Aceh is the use of suasa (mixture of gold and copper on the hilt. That was a favourite decorative metal of the Acehnese. Mind you, my knowledge of swords from other parts of Sumatra is very limited, so take that with a grain of salt." Thanks, Harold PS Thanks for your help Dom.

18th September 2008, 01:00 PM	#2
asomotif Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: The Netherlands Posts: 2,237	Any forumites that can help out ? Hello Forumites, Anyone around that can give some info on the fittings of this sword. Based on the blade and the crossguard, I would say Javanese pedang But the scabbard and handle are not in Javanese styl (IMV(ery)HO ) Personally these fittings make me think of chinese swords. But I am sure there are some forumites that can correct on on this. Any help ? Best regards, Willem

18th September 2008, 02:37 PM	#3
CharlesS Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Greenville, NC Posts: 1,854	The blade style here certainly seems *pedang lurus-like in appearance, but almost moves to be a more yataghan-like tusuk* form. While the hilt and scabbard are not typically Javanese in appearance, I would hazard a guess that they are an artist's interpretations of an "art deco" decor for an otherwise traditional sword. I agree that it probably is Javanese and likely comparatively late, not much more than 100 years old, if that. It is a lovely, and graceful piece.