Comments on the blade of this Moro Kris?

Spunjer · 3rd June 2005, 05:34 PM

beautiful kris!!!
the pamor looks very deliberate; as in what the indonesians does to keris. maybe our keris collector brethrens can shed some light to this...

Federico · 3rd June 2005, 07:41 PM

I have the feeling this is true pamor, and not a wax resist. If you look at the blade tip, there are spots that look like there maybe lamination. My sneaking suspicion is that the center panel may have been restored in Indonesian fashion using arsenic, hence the odd coloration and deepness of the etching. Strong tophographical etch with citric acid, followed by arsenic. However, even without the arsenic, I have seen similar effect/pattern in other kris/budiak/etc...

VVV · 3rd June 2005, 08:51 PM

Thanks all for your comments on this Kris.
I have enclosed 2 additional pictures on the hilt and the wrangka.
It's not as perfect as it looks and I believe the sheath is original or at least quite old.
The hilt has been broken and reglued. And there is minor damages on the sheath from wear. It reminds me of the feeling of well restored antique European furnitures.
I suspect that it has been brought to Europe a long time ago and been kept for display. And somebody restored it very professionally before I got it. Maybe somebody who usually restores European antiques?
The center resembles Balinese pamor, except the topography.

Michael

Rick · 3rd June 2005, 09:00 PM

Michael , could I ask you for a close up shot of the area where the patterning ends near the point ?

Also has anyone else noticed the pronounced taper of the blade , or is that just a trick of the camera ?

I have a Budiak with a topographic center panel but we have all seen that a zillion times already so I won't waste server space by posting it again .

You posted the scabbard and hilt pics while I was writing and I must say that looks like genuine old patina .

VVV · 3rd June 2005, 09:18 PM

Sure Rick,

Unfortunately it's late here now.
This was the best I could do with the light.
Maybe I should try again tomorrow with daylight instead?

Thanks,

Michael

Rick · 3rd June 2005, 10:14 PM

Michael , you're great !
Pictures on demand !

This is no wax resist ; I think that if it were etched (please don't) it would show an added on edge of regular laminate much as my budiak has or this sword :

Lew · 3rd June 2005, 10:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rick

Michael , you're great !
Pictures on demand !

This is no wax resist ; I think that if it were etched (please don't) it would show an added on edge of regular laminate much as my budiak has or this sword :

I stand corrected!

Lew

Rick · 3rd June 2005, 10:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LOUIEBLADES

I stand corrected!

Lew

Hi Lew , when I first wondered about a resist I was wondering if the pattern itself was drawn in wax . Now I'm thinking that the smooth edges were the resist covered area and the acid was allowed to work on the center panel to bring out the patterning .

Bill · 3rd June 2005, 10:21 PM

Thanks for the additional pics. The scabbard does look old & a Sulu look to it. Is the extended piece of the hilt new?, it looks like there is a hole in it for a wooden dowel or screw. The pattern looks genuine, but how was it etched so deeply. seems that something was left on it for days or even weeks to go so deep.

VVV · 3rd June 2005, 10:30 PM

Bill,

The grain on the reglued part of the hilt matches the other.
It looks like it just broke off.
The hole is more like a small dent. Similar to where small stones could be attached.

Thanks,

Michael

3rd June 2005, 08:51 PM	#3
VVV Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Sweden Posts: 1,637	Thanks all for your comments on this Kris. I have enclosed 2 additional pictures on the hilt and the wrangka. It's not as perfect as it looks and I believe the sheath is original or at least quite old. The hilt has been broken and reglued. And there is minor damages on the sheath from wear. It reminds me of the feeling of well restored antique European furnitures. I suspect that it has been brought to Europe a long time ago and been kept for display. And somebody restored it very professionally before I got it. Maybe somebody who usually restores European antiques? The center resembles Balinese pamor, except the topography. Michael Attached Images

3rd June 2005, 09:18 PM	#5
VVV Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Sweden Posts: 1,637	Sure Rick, Unfortunately it's late here now. This was the best I could do with the light. Maybe I should try again tomorrow with daylight instead? Thanks, Michael Attached Images

3rd June 2005, 10:14 PM	#6
Rick Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 6,336	Michael , you're great ! Pictures on demand ! This is no wax resist ; I think that if it were etched (please don't) it would show an added on edge of regular laminate much as my budiak has or this sword : Attached Images

3rd June 2005, 05:34 PM	#1
Spunjer Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Witness Protection Program Posts: 1,730	beautiful kris!!! the pamor looks very deliberate; as in what the indonesians does to keris. maybe our keris collector brethrens can shed some light to this...

3rd June 2005, 07:41 PM	#2
Federico Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Minneapolis, MN, USA Posts: 312	I have the feeling this is true pamor, and not a wax resist. If you look at the blade tip, there are spots that look like there maybe lamination. My sneaking suspicion is that the center panel may have been restored in Indonesian fashion using arsenic, hence the odd coloration and deepness of the etching. Strong tophographical etch with citric acid, followed by arsenic. However, even without the arsenic, I have seen similar effect/pattern in other kris/budiak/etc...

3rd June 2005, 09:00 PM	#4
Rick Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 6,336	Michael , could I ask you for a close up shot of the area where the patterning ends near the point ? Also has anyone else noticed the pronounced taper of the blade , or is that just a trick of the camera ? I have a Budiak with a topographic center panel but we have all seen that a zillion times already so I won't waste server space by posting it again . You posted the scabbard and hilt pics while I was writing and I must say that looks like genuine old patina .

3rd June 2005, 10:21 PM	#9
Bill Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Chicago area Posts: 327	Thanks for the additional pics. The scabbard does look old & a Sulu look to it. Is the extended piece of the hilt new?, it looks like there is a hole in it for a wooden dowel or screw. The pattern looks genuine, but how was it etched so deeply. seems that something was left on it for days or even weeks to go so deep.

3rd June 2005, 10:30 PM	#10
VVV Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Sweden Posts: 1,637	Bill, The grain on the reglued part of the hilt matches the other. It looks like it just broke off. The hole is more like a small dent. Similar to where small stones could be attached. Thanks, Michael