Insights on unusual kampilan?

Ian · 17th September 2014, 05:00 AM

Oliver:

Thanks for posting this one. I had been following the auction and was outbid for it! Are you the lucky owner now?

I had exchanged emails with Battara several days ago about his thoughts on whether this was a silver-clad hilt--neither of us were sure what the metal was.

Previously, I've seen a couple of silver mounted kampilan, and they are certainly unusual. The use of banati wood on this one, also uncommon, would suggest that it is a high quality piece, although I think the silver work (and perhaps the whole hilt) are early 20th C while the blade could be earlier.

As far as a classification for kampilan, I did write a piece about 10 years ago on the old forum. Will try to find it again.

Ian.

Here is that old discussion: Towards a classification of kampilan

17th September 2014, 05:00 AM	#2
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,398	Oliver: Thanks for posting this one. I had been following the auction and was outbid for it! Are you the lucky owner now? I had exchanged emails with Battara several days ago about his thoughts on whether this was a silver-clad hilt--neither of us were sure what the metal was. Previously, I've seen a couple of silver mounted kampilan, and they are certainly unusual. The use of banati wood on this one, also uncommon, would suggest that it is a high quality piece, although I think the silver work (and perhaps the whole hilt) are early 20th C while the blade could be earlier. As far as a classification for kampilan, I did write a piece about 10 years ago on the old forum. Will try to find it again. Ian. Here is that old discussion: Towards a classification of kampilan Last edited by Ian; 17th September 2014 at 05:09 AM. Reason: Added link to the old forum