Interesting Badik/Badek
 

I am aware that badiks come in a variety of variations, though keep the same basic design, but this one caught my eye because of its unique hilt.

As you can see the hilt is a composite of three parts, horn at the blade's forte, followed by some form of ivory(???) I believe that has been set with what appears to be a low grade green stone(emerald?). The end of the hilt is made of black horn set with a polished brown stone.

I bought the thing because I really liked the overall "honeyed" patina, the nice blade and the unique hilt. ONLY LATER did I begin to wonder if the hilt was originally constructed that way by a clever craftsman, or did the original, presumably horn, hilt get broken and reconstructed with different parts in this manner.

The patina is consistent throughout, and I would like to think that this was the brainstorm of a great craftsman, but I doubt I can ever be sure. :shrug:

I love it regardless!!

Any thoughts or opinions are appreciated.

It's a beautiful piece. Congratulations!
Steve

Nice knife. The green stone looks like peridot to me. :shrug:

REGARDLESS OF ITS HISTORY ITS ASCETIC APPEAL, EXCELLENT MATERIALS AND WORKMANSHIP MAKE IT A KEEPER AND NO DOUBT A BEAUTIFUL ONE OF A KIND ITEM. CONGRADULATIONS WISH IT WAS MINE :D

Can't say it better! :D Have followed the auction, one of the best items for long time by ebay! Think the handle is done original this way, the very nice patination seems to be very old.

Regards,

Detlef

A nice catch Charles,

I think it's a nice old Javanese badek!

Could be an old restoration, but not necesarrily, as in Central Java there are old types of swords with handles from horn and bone, or even three materials made...

Maurice

I agree with Detlef that it is "one of the best items for long time on ebay."
Good for you that I somehow missed it ;)

Michael