Ukiran material id?

[Patje1970]

Originally Posted by Rick

I think it's entirely possible Jose.
Doesn't look like natural aging to me at all.
If there were evidence of tiny pits I'd think it was a casting that was hand finished.

I don't think it's a casting. material seems more like antler or bone. The selut attachted is from metal. I don't see evidence of tiny pits. If it is aged it was very professionally made (blackened cavities, etc.)

[A. G. Maisey]

Patje, I think I'd be inclined to do a hot needle test with this hilt.

[Rick]

Originally Posted by Patje1970

I don't think it's a casting. material seems more like antler or bone. The selut attachted is from metal. I don't see evidence of tiny pits. If it is aged it was very professionally made (blackened cavities, etc.)

Another clue you gave was the impression of heavyness and being cool to the touch. Then there is the matter of all the 'gunk' in the crevices.
When I was first collecting kerisses I received a very intricate Madura hilt; it too felt heavy and cool to the touch also with lots of gunk in the crevices. I figured I would clean it up and in doing so discovered it was a casting made from some kind of heavy non natural material and aged quite professionally.

I'll be interested in what you discover when you do a bit of testing.