A Banjarmasin Borneo Sword...But What is the Correct Term For It???

CharlesS · 7th October 2016, 04:19 PM

I am rather sure this sword originated in Borneo, and most likely Banjarmasin. Schmeltz's plate on swords from that area shows an example of a sword with an identical hilt...the largest sword on the page, but a quite different blade. ****I am using a previous thread's version of Schmeltz's work, and I am NOT referring to the sword marked in red.

The blade is flat on one side and beveled on one side with silver alloy inlay. The carvings to the pommel are very Dayak in nature. This is most noticeable on the more complete side.

Any comment and/or ideas about a more complete identification are welcomed.

Dimensions:
Overall length: 23.5in.
Blade length: 18.25in.
Blade's widest point: 2in.

Battara · 7th October 2016, 07:43 PM

The inlay is actually bronze/brass.

kai · 7th October 2016, 08:34 PM

Hello Charles,

Quote:

I am rather sure this sword originated in Borneo, and most likely Banjarmasin. Schmeltz's plate on swords from that area shows an example of a sword with an identical hilt...the largest sword on the page, but a quite different blade.

Congrats, that's another unique score! This must be an old style that got out of fashion early.

The similarity is just amazing! I would not place much importance on the shape of the blade tip since both are really rare Banjar variants. Your blade exhibits typical inlay and definitely supports this origin.

Regards,
Kai

kai · 7th October 2016, 08:45 PM

Hello Jose,

Quote:

The inlay is actually bronze/brass.

Thanks - brass is typical for these Dayak-influenced inlays.

Regards,
Kai

Sajen · 8th October 2016, 02:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CharlesS

I am rather sure this sword originated in Borneo, and most likely Banjarmasin.

Hello Charles,

agree with you about the origin but can't name it. Nice and rare find!

Regards,
Detlef

CharlesS · 8th October 2016, 08:59 PM

According to our friends on the Borneo Forum this is a parang bedak and originates in southern Borneo. Apparently it is a rather rare sword in the Borneo arsenal.

7th October 2016, 04:19 PM	#1
CharlesS Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Greenville, NC Posts: 1,857	A Banjarmasin Borneo Sword...But What is the Correct Term For It??? I am rather sure this sword originated in Borneo, and most likely Banjarmasin. Schmeltz's plate on swords from that area shows an example of a sword with an identical hilt...the largest sword on the page, but a quite different blade. **I am using a previous thread's version of Schmeltz's work, and I am NOT referring to the sword marked in red. The blade is flat on one side and beveled on one side with silver alloy inlay. The carvings to the pommel are very Dayak in nature. This is most noticeable on the more complete side. Any comment and/or ideas about a more complete identification are welcomed.** Dimensions: Overall length: 23.5in. Blade length: 18.25in. Blade's widest point: 2in. Attached Images

7th October 2016, 07:43 PM	#2
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,217	The inlay is actually bronze/brass.

8th October 2016, 08:59 PM	#6
CharlesS Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Greenville, NC Posts: 1,857	According to our friends on the Borneo Forum this is a parang bedak and originates in southern Borneo. Apparently it is a rather rare sword in the Borneo arsenal.