New kerises: need opinions

ariel · 25th January 2013, 11:02 PM

Having already admitted my total naivete re. kerises, I want to show here 2 of them that just wandered into :-)
The first one, IMHO, is Jawanese, Madura handle, scabbard - Sandang Welikat.
Metal sleeve is very low grade silver (?), the tip is damaged

ariel · 25th January 2013, 11:08 PM

The second one is a mystery to me... Sorry...
The entire furniture, - handle, scabbard, - is made from bone. Blade has crusts of rust ( pun not intended).
Here I need help in placing it.

ariel · 25th January 2013, 11:11 PM

Please help me with placing them correctly, defining them, dating them ( if possible) and expressing your opinion re. their worth.
If anyone is uncomfortable with openly telling me the truth, feel free to send me PM. Honesty is highly appreciated.

Thanks a lot.

Rick · 26th January 2013, 04:03 AM

I believe you're correct on the first one .
The second one is Sumatran, and the blade is kind of interesting, 3 waves .
Both these blades are better judged when viewed point upwards with the wide part of the gangya to the right .
Both are in need of the dress part below the handle; in the case of the E.Java/madura a mendak is needed; the Sumatran needs a selut (cup with stem) .

I don't mean to crack wise here, Ariel, but they are both worth whatever someone is willing to pay and you to accept .

Neither are 'treasures' monetarily .
They both have a certain rough charm; I'm sure that's why you acquired them .

ariel · 26th January 2013, 05:18 AM

Thanks Rick!
I was not asking for a monetary value.
Can anybody tell me where can I get decent mendak and selut for them?

David · 26th January 2013, 07:59 AM

I think the hilt on the first one is Javanese as well, not Madurese. You could have the sheath tested, but i'm willing to bet that there is no silver content there, just a white metal (mamas). I like this keris and dress. I often see mendaks sold on eBay if you're looking.
I will reserve comment on the second keris, but personally wouldn't spend too much time or money on a selut for it.

25th January 2013, 11:02 PM	#1
ariel Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Ann Arbor, MI Posts: 5,503	New kerises: need opinions Having already admitted my total naivete re. kerises, I want to show here 2 of them that just wandered into :-) The first one, IMHO, is Jawanese, Madura handle, scabbard - Sandang Welikat. Metal sleeve is very low grade silver (?), the tip is damaged Attached Images

25th January 2013, 11:08 PM	#2
ariel Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Ann Arbor, MI Posts: 5,503	#2 The second one is a mystery to me... Sorry... The entire furniture, - handle, scabbard, - is made from bone. Blade has crusts of rust ( pun not intended). Here I need help in placing it. Attached Images

25th January 2013, 11:11 PM	#3
ariel Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Ann Arbor, MI Posts: 5,503	Please help me with placing them correctly, defining them, dating them ( if possible) and expressing your opinion re. their worth. If anyone is uncomfortable with openly telling me the truth, feel free to send me PM. Honesty is highly appreciated. Thanks a lot.

26th January 2013, 04:03 AM	#4
Rick Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 6,293	I believe you're correct on the first one . The second one is Sumatran, and the blade is kind of interesting, 3 waves . Both these blades are better judged when viewed point upwards with the wide part of the gangya to the right . Both are in need of the dress part below the handle; in the case of the E.Java/madura a mendak is needed; the Sumatran needs a selut (cup with stem) . I don't mean to crack wise here, Ariel, but they are both worth whatever someone is willing to pay and you to accept . Neither are 'treasures' monetarily . They both have a certain rough charm; I'm sure that's why you acquired them .

26th January 2013, 05:18 AM	#5
ariel Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Ann Arbor, MI Posts: 5,503	Thanks Rick! I was not asking for a monetary value. Can anybody tell me where can I get decent mendak and selut for them?

26th January 2013, 07:59 AM	#6
David Keris forum moderator Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Nova Scotia Posts: 7,123	I think the hilt on the first one is Javanese as well, not Madurese. You could have the sheath tested, but i'm willing to bet that there is no silver content there, just a white metal (mamas). I like this keris and dress. I often see mendaks sold on eBay if you're looking. I will reserve comment on the second keris, but personally wouldn't spend too much time or money on a selut for it.