Need help to identify gunang style knife

AHite · 23rd January 2024, 02:53 AM

I just acquired this piece. I like the engraved blade, and the pistol grip reminds me of Filipino gunang knives. The knife handle and scabbard are made of very dense material, possibly ivory. I do not believe it is bone or wood. The metal bands have hand stamped designs. Of interest is the snail shell type design on the scabbard.

I'm only able to guess as to it's origin, and hope that some of the forum members can help to identify. Thanks in advance!

Rick · 23rd January 2024, 03:12 AM

I believe this is an Indonesian Badek.
The pattern on the blade is not genuine pamor, rather it has been applied to the surface of the metal.
Save your $$ for books on the subject of Indonesian weapons.

Education is the best defense against fraud.
We all have been fooled at least once in our collecting; I know I have been.

Try a search of our archives using the term badek or badik.

kai · 23rd January 2024, 03:21 AM

Indonesia. This is supposed to look like a badik.

Not trying to sugarcoat it: Tourist quality with "pamor batik" blade; hilt might be resin - extremely unlikely to be of any quality material, sorry.

Regards,
Kai

kai · 23rd January 2024, 03:22 AM

Rick beat me to it...

Rick · 23rd January 2024, 03:42 AM

I'm at home w/the flu Kai; time on my hands I guess.

I was thinking resin too; I remember buying a keris hilt 20 or more years ago that turned out to be made from Dental casting material attached to a 'batik' keris.

These are learning moments.

23rd January 2024, 02:53 AM	#1
AHite Member Join Date: Dec 2022 Posts: 48	Need help to identify gunang style knife I just acquired this piece. I like the engraved blade, and the pistol grip reminds me of Filipino gunang knives. The knife handle and scabbard are made of very dense material, possibly ivory. I do not believe it is bone or wood. The metal bands have hand stamped designs. Of interest is the snail shell type design on the scabbard. I'm only able to guess as to it's origin, and hope that some of the forum members can help to identify. Thanks in advance! Attached Images

23rd January 2024, 03:12 AM	#2
Rick Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 6,293	I believe this is an Indonesian Badek. The pattern on the blade is not genuine pamor, rather it has been applied to the surface of the metal. Save your $$ for books on the subject of Indonesian weapons. Education is the best defense against fraud. We all have been fooled at least once in our collecting; I know I have been. Try a search of our archives using the term badek or badik.

23rd January 2024, 03:21 AM	#3
kai Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 3,254	Indonesia. This is supposed to look like a badik. Not trying to sugarcoat it: Tourist quality with "pamor batik" blade; hilt might be resin - extremely unlikely to be of any quality material, sorry. Regards, Kai

23rd January 2024, 03:22 AM	#4
kai Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 3,254	Rick beat me to it...

23rd January 2024, 03:42 AM	#5
Rick Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 6,293	I'm at home w/the flu Kai; time on my hands I guess. I was thinking resin too; I remember buying a keris hilt 20 or more years ago that turned out to be made from Dental casting material attached to a 'batik' keris. These are learning moments.