I wonder if the hilt is a re-carve of an original much larger kampilan pommel (an example of large pommel kampilan is in Bob's book), due to the placement of the "eye". It is somewhat lopsided in its placement, and the bottom lines are somewhat abrupt, which makes me wonder about it being a recarve. Definitely if it is, it was done long ago, and with great care. The hilt wrap was re-done, seemingly long ago, but also does not appear original. Beautiful blade, and it looks like it is hiding a very wonderful pattern. Will be interesting to see it after etching. I love the wire staples. Anyways, if you are interested in re-doing the hair, bamboo chopsticks make great plugs, and horse hair extensions (for show ponies) are readily available in black. Dont like the bright red hair sold for Chinese weapons, and black hair is just as traditional (typically even in kampilans with red hair, it would be interspersed with plain black, but many just had black hair).
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