Javanese Fighting Short Sword ?

Miguel · 11th May 2016, 09:22 PM

Hello Everyone,

I would be grateful if someone could confirm or otherwise whether this sword is from Java or not. My own findings are that it is and the design is loosely based on the Dutch 1898 Klewang naval cutlass. It is a well made weapon with a horn hilt having finger grips on a heavy single edged blade. The scabbard is wood with white metal bands and a horn mouthpiece.
Overall length is 17 ins, blade length is 12.125 ins x 1.75 ins wide. Thanking you in anticipation.
Regards
Miguel

Athanase · 12th May 2016, 12:03 PM

Hello Miguel.
For me it's typical Javanese production.
(But I'm still a novice in the Indonesian weapons)

kronckew · 12th May 2016, 12:29 PM

the dutch preferred clip pointed swords and sabres, the smithies of the then dutch east indies made a number of klewangs, swords, etc. for the dutch of various types. the dutch 'hembrug' klewang made for the military police in the dutch east indies is discussed in many threads here.

my dutchie, a european style hunting sword from the area and a native sword from borneo as examples discussed before.

Miguel · 13th May 2016, 08:44 PM

Thanks folks for your comments and thanks Kronckew for sharing the photos of your Dutch swords, they are very nice pieces.

So my weapon is Javanese but is it a fighting short sword or what?

Regards
Miguel

David · 13th May 2016, 10:13 PM

It looks more like a machete/jungle knife to me, though i don't often see them with fullers. Still, this looks more like a tool than a weapon to me. It isn't in the form of any traditional Javanese weapon i am aware of and the design of the blade seems more European influenced than local to that area.

kronckew · 13th May 2016, 10:21 PM

they are of course, general purpose tools, hunting, food prep, chopping wood, or people as needed. clipped points and fullers are more 'european' but also more likely found on large knives intended to have a fighting capability. possibly made for a european resident's desires rather than a traditional local.

11th May 2016, 09:22 PM	#1
Miguel Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Posts: 584	Javanese Fighting Short Sword ? Hello Everyone, I would be grateful if someone could confirm or otherwise whether this sword is from Java or not. My own findings are that it is and the design is loosely based on the Dutch 1898 Klewang naval cutlass. It is a well made weapon with a horn hilt having finger grips on a heavy single edged blade. The scabbard is wood with white metal bands and a horn mouthpiece. Overall length is 17 ins, blade length is 12.125 ins x 1.75 ins wide. Thanking you in anticipation. Regards Miguel Attached Images

12th May 2016, 12:29 PM	#3
kronckew Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Room 101, Glos. UK Posts: 4,183	the dutch preferred clip pointed swords and sabres, the smithies of the then dutch east indies made a number of klewangs, swords, etc. for the dutch of various types. the dutch 'hembrug' klewang made for the military police in the dutch east indies is discussed in many threads here. my dutchie, a european style hunting sword from the area and a native sword from borneo as examples discussed before. Attached Images

12th May 2016, 12:03 PM	#2
Athanase Member Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: Paris (France) Posts: 408	Hello Miguel. For me it's typical Javanese production. (But I'm still a novice in the Indonesian weapons)

13th May 2016, 08:44 PM	#4
Miguel Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Posts: 584	Thanks folks for your comments and thanks Kronckew for sharing the photos of your Dutch swords, they are very nice pieces. So my weapon is Javanese but is it a fighting short sword or what? Regards Miguel

13th May 2016, 10:13 PM	#5
David Keris forum moderator Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Nova Scotia Posts: 7,123	It looks more like a machete/jungle knife to me, though i don't often see them with fullers. Still, this looks more like a tool than a weapon to me. It isn't in the form of any traditional Javanese weapon i am aware of and the design of the blade seems more European influenced than local to that area.

13th May 2016, 10:21 PM	#6
kronckew Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Room 101, Glos. UK Posts: 4,183	they are of course, general purpose tools, hunting, food prep, chopping wood, or people as needed. clipped points and fullers are more 'european' but also more likely found on large knives intended to have a fighting capability. possibly made for a european resident's desires rather than a traditional local.