New Acquisition, Mandau, said to be 1800's

JoeCanada42 · 22nd February 2023, 04:42 AM

the cross section as i see it
in actuality the cross section doesn't come to the sharp point till past the dotted line
the concaveness starts really to show also at the end of the dotted line at as it becomes sharp

* here edited to have more proper picture

Ian · 23rd February 2023, 11:31 AM

Hi Joe,

Interesting sword that you have shown in some detail. I agree with the comment that this hilt is made from antler rather than bone. The carved structures show a lovely amber color that seems to come from handling, sweat, dirt, and smoke (from indoor fires), a color distinctive of older Borneo hilts that have been used a lot. The angle of the carving that juts out from the hilt is not anatomically consistent with a primate bony structure.

As to age, it is very hard to judge from pictures. Your hilt certainly looks as though it could be a hundred years or more old. Again, I would base that on the patina of the hilt.

The blade is an odd one and very hard to assess with the substantial oxidation and grime on it. Whether or not it is a mandau is hard to say, but others have given you reasons why it may not be. If you want to know more about this blade, I would suggest cleaning it and taking it back to white if you can. That will give a much clearer idea of any marks that may be on it. If you want to darken the blade again, treatment with vinegar produces a nice grayness and will sometimes pick out laminated elements. Make sure then to oil it well or use a micro-silicone wax (e.g. Renaissance Wax) to limit rusting,

I would leave the hilt as it is. That patina is attractive IMHO and honestly come by over time.

Regards, Ian.

Ian · 23rd February 2023, 12:00 PM

Joe, when I enlarged the letter "G" on your blade, it has a somewhat unusual appearance. The serif at the end of the top curve is entirely above the terminus of the curve. This is hinted at in a number of fonts (mostly old) but this example is about the most extreme I've seen. At the bottom end, there is another oddity. As the bottom end of the curve approaches the vertical leg of the G, it takes an abrupt dive to join the bottom of the leg. Again, I can't recall seeing that in another antique font.

I'm not an expert on fonts, but I have read a bit about them and I find the various styles interesting. Perhaps there is someone here who recognises this form of the letter G. I'm fairly sure it's not a British font and that the style probably predates 1900.

A blow up of the letter is attached.

JoeCanada42 · 24th February 2023, 12:36 AM

thanks Ian for the help

I am still having fun researching the various Tjikeroeh swords

still a lot to for me to read up on ,with what people have suggested, I unfortunately am researching way too many things at the moment... even got a library book for something else I'm research and its coming due.

I may have to devote more research to this one a bit later

( I also recently got a very different sword from Australia, I'm done with the research I can do on it for now , without it in my hands, I'm ready give some info with it when I get it. and I'm Sure my theories are just going to be loved)

anyways

so for my Dayak handle
Iban?

22nd February 2023, 04:42 AM	#1
JoeCanada42 Member Join Date: Jan 2021 Location: Canada Posts: 259	the cross section as i see it in actuality the cross section doesn't come to the sharp point till past the dotted line the concaveness starts really to show also at the end of the dotted line at as it becomes sharp * here edited to have more proper picture Attached Images Last edited by JoeCanada42; 22nd February 2023 at 08:04 AM.

23rd February 2023, 12:00 PM	#3
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,360	Joe, when I enlarged the letter "G" on your blade, it has a somewhat unusual appearance. The serif at the end of the top curve is entirely above the terminus of the curve. This is hinted at in a number of fonts (mostly old) but this example is about the most extreme I've seen. At the bottom end, there is another oddity. As the bottom end of the curve approaches the vertical leg of the G, it takes an abrupt dive to join the bottom of the leg. Again, I can't recall seeing that in another antique font. I'm not an expert on fonts, but I have read a bit about them and I find the various styles interesting. Perhaps there is someone here who recognises this form of the letter G. I'm fairly sure it's not a British font and that the style probably predates 1900. A blow up of the letter is attached. Attached Images

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23rd February 2023, 11:31 AM	#2
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,360	Hi Joe, Interesting sword that you have shown in some detail. I agree with the comment that this hilt is made from antler rather than bone. The carved structures show a lovely amber color that seems to come from handling, sweat, dirt, and smoke (from indoor fires), a color distinctive of older Borneo hilts that have been used a lot. The angle of the carving that juts out from the hilt is not anatomically consistent with a primate bony structure. As to age, it is very hard to judge from pictures. Your hilt certainly looks as though it could be a hundred years or more old. Again, I would base that on the patina of the hilt. The blade is an odd one and very hard to assess with the substantial oxidation and grime on it. Whether or not it is a mandau is hard to say, but others have given you reasons why it may not be. If you want to know more about this blade, I would suggest cleaning it and taking it back to white if you can. That will give a much clearer idea of any marks that may be on it. If you want to darken the blade again, treatment with vinegar produces a nice grayness and will sometimes pick out laminated elements. Make sure then to oil it well or use a micro-silicone wax (e.g. Renaissance Wax) to limit rusting, I would leave the hilt as it is. That patina is attractive IMHO and honestly come by over time. Regards, Ian.

24th February 2023, 12:36 AM	#4
JoeCanada42 Member Join Date: Jan 2021 Location: Canada Posts: 259	thanks Ian for the help I am still having fun researching the various Tjikeroeh swords still a lot to for me to read up on ,with what people have suggested, I unfortunately am researching way too many things at the moment... even got a library book for something else I'm research and its coming due. I may have to devote more research to this one a bit later ( I also recently got a very different sword from Australia, I'm done with the research I can do on it for now , without it in my hands, I'm ready give some info with it when I get it. and I'm Sure my theories are just going to be loved) anyways so for my Dayak handle Iban?