Another Nice Ball Pommel Moro Kriss

CharlesS · 7th September 2020, 04:11 PM

I know ball pommel krisses are not popular with some Moro collectors, but I really like them.

This is another one with a lovely wood grain(matching its scabbard). The blade is rather typical pattern welding with tempered edges. The hilt is fully dressed in silver alloy bands and woven wire, the bands with heavy copper content.

Note the unique flaring of the last piece of the grip towards the pommel. I have wondered if the pommel represents an opening flower with the flared silver its sepal and the ball pommel its unopened pedals and with the "nipple" on the pommel cap its stigma. ...just a thought.

xasterix · 7th September 2020, 05:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CharlesS

I know ball pommel krisses are not popular with some Moro collectors, but I really like them.

This is another one with a lovely wood grain(matching its scabbard). The blade is rather typical pattern welding with tempered edges. The hilt is fully dressed in silver alloy bands and woven wire, the bands with heavy copper content.

Note the unique flaring of the last piece of the grip towards the pommel. I have wondered if the pommel represents an opening flower with the flared silver its sepal and the ball pommel its unopened pedals and with the "nipple" on the pommel cap its stigma. ...just a thought.

You have a gorgeous piece crafted by a highly meticulous artisan. Just makes me wonder how much time went into its creation and refinement. Definitely a testament to Bangsamoro skill, creativity, and ingenuity.

Ian · 7th September 2020, 05:33 PM

Hi Charles,

Lovely old kris in Sulu dress, although the blade could be Maguindanao. Is it possible there may be some gold (suassa) on this one? It may be silver with a high copper content, as you note, but I do wonder about suassa in this high end example. A flower motif could be correct for some of these ball pommels.

Ian

Oliver Pinchot · 7th September 2020, 06:54 PM

From a utilitarian perspective, spherical pommels assure a good grip; one in which the sword will not slip out of the hand at a crucial moment. They are numerous in Europe, but occur in a number of other cultures as well.
Beautiful example, Charles.

kino · 8th September 2020, 01:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CharlesS

I know ball pommel krisses are not popular with some Moro collectors, but I really like them.

Really!! Well I guess that leaves more for others. Like you, I like them as well. That’s one beautiful sword. Thanks for sharing.

Battara · 8th September 2020, 02:01 AM

Amazing example! I would say that the blade is indeed Maguindanao. I don't see any evidence of suassa though.

CharlesS · 8th September 2020, 11:49 AM

Thanks for the input guys.

I would love there to some swassa on the mounts, but I'm afraid it's just a silver alloy with lots of copper. It's really hard to see in the pics, even in holding it outside of the right light, but somehow the silver alloy works really nicely against the truer silver woven wire.

Battara · 9th September 2020, 05:15 AM

I also noticed how the baka-baka clamp motifs match that from under the pommel. Nice touch.

7th September 2020, 04:11 PM	#1
CharlesS Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Greenville, NC Posts: 1,857	Another Nice Ball Pommel Moro Kriss I know ball pommel krisses are not popular with some Moro collectors, but I really like them. This is another one with a lovely wood grain(matching its scabbard). The blade is rather typical pattern welding with tempered edges. The hilt is fully dressed in silver alloy bands and woven wire, the bands with heavy copper content. Note the unique flaring of the last piece of the grip towards the pommel. I have wondered if the pommel represents an opening flower with the flared silver its sepal and the ball pommel its unopened pedals and with the "nipple" on the pommel cap its stigma. ...just a thought. Attached Images

7th September 2020, 05:33 PM	#3
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,194	Hi Charles, Lovely old kris in Sulu dress, although the blade could be Maguindanao. Is it possible there may be some gold (suassa) on this one? It may be silver with a high copper content, as you note, but I do wonder about suassa in this high end example. A flower motif could be correct for some of these ball pommels. Ian

7th September 2020, 06:54 PM	#4
Oliver Pinchot Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Posts: 457	From a utilitarian perspective, spherical pommels assure a good grip; one in which the sword will not slip out of the hand at a crucial moment. They are numerous in Europe, but occur in a number of other cultures as well. Beautiful example, Charles.

8th September 2020, 02:01 AM	#6
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,217	Amazing example! I would say that the blade is indeed Maguindanao. I don't see any evidence of suassa though.

8th September 2020, 11:49 AM	#7
CharlesS Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Greenville, NC Posts: 1,857	Thanks for the input guys. I would love there to some swassa on the mounts, but I'm afraid it's just a silver alloy with lots of copper. It's really hard to see in the pics, even in holding it outside of the right light, but somehow the silver alloy works really nicely against the truer silver woven wire.

9th September 2020, 05:15 AM	#8
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,217	I also noticed how the baka-baka clamp motifs match that from under the pommel. Nice touch.