Very old Moro kris

[CCUAL]

Got a hold of the sword this morning. Heavy kris for its size. Over 3/4" thick. I cleaned the active rust with 1000grit wet dry sand paper, polished, and quick acid etched.

[ariel]

Did he intend to write Viva Espana?

[CCUAL]

reverse side of the blade.

[CCUAL]

the handle was greatly damaged but i will keep it as-is.

[mariusgmioc]

Hmmm... now, after seing the "pamor" I wonder if it isn't later 19th century?!

The pattern is rather elaborate for a 18th century... I guess...

[Sajen]

I've said already that I am green with envy??

I personally would look to get the hilt restored.

Regards,
Detlef

[CCUAL]

Originally Posted by Sajen

I've said already that I am green with envy??

I personally would look to get the hilt restored.

Regards,
Detlef

Hi Detlef, I am re-thinking what you have said, restoring the hilt, issue is that one side has deteriorated over time and part of the wood is now gone, you can see it from the photo, the other side has flared 3-4mm and it created four spiral cracks, I am afraid that if I heated blade and start rocking it back and fort it will fall apart leaving me just the pommel in the end. Any recommendation on how this resto should be done? Thanks

[Battara]

Originally Posted by mariusgmioc

Hmmm... now, after seing the "pamor" I wonder if it isn't later 19th century?!

The pattern is rather elaborate for a 18th century... I guess...

Actually earlier 18th century examples often have double twist core centers. The later one goes in time, the less often we see the double twist core in kris blades.

So as I said earlier, I would place this in the 18th century. The double twist core supports my thesis.

Again Christian, congratulations. This might be a captured piece, or perhaps a Moro who switched sides. If it could only talk..........

[David]

Originally Posted by mariusgmioc

Hmmm... now, after seing the "pamor" I wonder if it isn't later 19th century?!

The pattern is rather elaborate for a 18th century... I guess...

I would agree with José here. Many of what seem to be 18th C Moro kris seem to have twisted cores like this. This one os a beauty though.

[David]

Originally Posted by ariel

Did he intend to write Viva Espana?

Seems like a rather unlikely phrase for a Moro to place on his kris.