Neglected antique kris restored

[h0ll0wman]

Originally Posted by Ian

Hi h0ll0wman,


Nice kris. I think the blade is probably Sulu in manufacture, and likely from the late 19th-early 20th C. The longitudinal insert is not twist core but has nice laminations. The hilt is atypical and similar to Visayan-influenced styles I have seen previously from Moro pieces originating in Zamboanga. The wrap-around metal (is it aluminum?) on the pommel is likely held in place with small nails and from that area I believe. The scabbard is of a Mindanao style also. Your etch looks like ferric chloride--is that what you used?

Thank you for the information Ian. I thought it was twist core at first, but still the lamination pattern is beautiful. I am not sure if this is the original hilt and I am thinking of having it replaced. The metal on the scabbard feels and looks like aluminum. Yes you are correct that I used ferric chloride for etching.