What did I buy? Borneo/Malaysion Kris blade?

Ferguson · 14th May 2017, 03:48 PM

Good day all. Found this on Ebay and the blade made me think of a couple of older small kris that I have. Wonder if it is made from a broken blade? The coin that forms the guard is from "British North Borneo" and dates from as early as 1882 to the mid 1900s. From the lines on the blade I wouldn't be surprised to see a twist core, but that may be wishful thinkiing. Pictures are from the auction. I haven't received it yet.

Auction description is:

" This auction is for a rare original 18th to 19 century Malaysian Warrior's Keris dagger knife with the original hardwood scabbard. This beautiful old Indonesian Kris Blade knife has a very sharp double edge blade, a copper blade guard with engraved warriors, a hardwood handle that matches the scabbard, and the scabbard has hand forged brass rings at each end. Overall this old original Kris blade dagger knife is in very good condition appearing lightly used with a solid handle and some very minor micro pitting blemishes. The scabbard has a chipped knob on one side and minor split seams but is also in very good condition overall. Please zoom in on all pictures for details. This knife measures 19 3/4" with a 14 5/8" blade and the total weight in the scabbard is approx. 1 lb. "

Ian · 14th May 2017, 05:28 PM

Hi Ferguson:

Good catch.

I think the blade was originally part of a Moro kris. A broken or sawn down part of a kris perhaps. Judging from the form of the luk and the width of the blade, I think this might have been quite an old blade originally, perhaps 18th C.

It would not be surprising to find an old Moro blade being re-used in N. Borneo.

Ian.

Ferguson · 14th May 2017, 11:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ian

Hi Ferguson:

Good catch.

I think the blade was originally part of a Moro kris. A broken or sawn down part of a kris perhaps. Judging from the form of the luk and the width of the blade, I think this might have been quite an old blade originally, perhaps 18th C.

It would not be surprising to find an old Moro blade being re-used in N. Borneo.

Ian.

Thanks Ian,
It should arrive tomorrow or Tuesday. Can't wait to get it in hand.

Steve

Battara · 15th May 2017, 12:05 AM

Ian I was thinking the same thing!

The ganga is missing of course. Not surprised since there was so much trade between the Moros of the Philippines and Borneo, and there were some Moro communities on the coast of Sabah, Borneo.

Ian · 15th May 2017, 12:51 AM

Hi Jose. Glad we are on the same page.

Steve, I think you should polish and etch the blade. You may be pleasantly surprised.

Ian

Ferguson · 15th May 2017, 01:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ian

Hi Jose. Glad we are on the same page.

Steve, I think you should polish and etch the blade. You may be pleasantly surprised.

Ian

I will!
Steve

russel · 15th May 2017, 01:49 AM

I had hoped it was someone here who outbid me on that one, I'm keen to see the results of a polish and etch.

Cheers, Russel

14th May 2017, 03:48 PM	#1
Ferguson Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Kernersville, NC, USA Posts: 793	What did I buy? Borneo/Malaysion Kris blade? Good day all. Found this on Ebay and the blade made me think of a couple of older small kris that I have. Wonder if it is made from a broken blade? The coin that forms the guard is from "British North Borneo" and dates from as early as 1882 to the mid 1900s. From the lines on the blade I wouldn't be surprised to see a twist core, but that may be wishful thinkiing. Pictures are from the auction. I haven't received it yet. Auction description is: " This auction is for a rare original 18th to 19 century Malaysian Warrior's Keris dagger knife with the original hardwood scabbard. This beautiful old Indonesian Kris Blade knife has a very sharp double edge blade, a copper blade guard with engraved warriors, a hardwood handle that matches the scabbard, and the scabbard has hand forged brass rings at each end. Overall this old original Kris blade dagger knife is in very good condition appearing lightly used with a solid handle and some very minor micro pitting blemishes. The scabbard has a chipped knob on one side and minor split seams but is also in very good condition overall. Please zoom in on all pictures for details. This knife measures 19 3/4" with a 14 5/8" blade and the total weight in the scabbard is approx. 1 lb. " Attached Images

14th May 2017, 05:28 PM	#2
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,194	Hi Ferguson: Good catch. I think the blade was originally part of a Moro kris. A broken or sawn down part of a kris perhaps. Judging from the form of the luk and the width of the blade, I think this might have been quite an old blade originally, perhaps 18th C. It would not be surprising to find an old Moro blade being re-used in N. Borneo. Ian.

15th May 2017, 12:05 AM	#4
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,217	Ian I was thinking the same thing! The ganga is missing of course. Not surprised since there was so much trade between the Moros of the Philippines and Borneo, and there were some Moro communities on the coast of Sabah, Borneo.

15th May 2017, 12:51 AM	#5
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,194	Hi Jose. Glad we are on the same page. Steve, I think you should polish and etch the blade. You may be pleasantly surprised. Ian

15th May 2017, 01:49 AM	#7
russel Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Tasmania, Australia Posts: 236	I had hoped it was someone here who outbid me on that one, I'm keen to see the results of a polish and etch. Cheers, Russel