BATAK OR BORNEO ???

CharlesS · 12th October 2017, 02:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ariel

Also, all “Malay” Piso Podangs have bronze/brass handles. Any iron ones that we know?

Good point Ariel. Yes there are piso podangs with iron hilts and ones with mixed parts, say a brass grip and bronze pommel. I have had some of these variations in my collection, though the overwhelming majority have been all brass.

ariel · 12th October 2017, 03:41 PM

Thanks Charles!

Can you show Piso with iron handle that is verifiably “Malay”? After all, the cup-like pommel is old Indian: Jens showed a pic from Hamza-Nameh and Elgood
showed one from Brian Isaac in the chapter about “important swords”

As to bronze/brass distinction ... I have my, say, hesitations. Both are copper alloys and, taking into account rather primitive methods of smelting and contamination with various elements, it is often difficult to separate the two.

And what about the trilobate quillons tips?

TVV · 12th October 2017, 04:44 PM

Ariel,

Here is a steel hilted Malay piso podang: the scabbard is definitely Sumatran.

Teodor

Rick · 12th October 2017, 04:52 PM

Not to barge in here, but while we're discussing sabres of this ilk, can any of you give me a hint as to the origin of these two?

I have only seen 3 of these in my years of collecting edgy stuff and would love to know their origin.

The blade with the unknown script is puzzling because the wire used for the inlay crosses the blade edge and continues to the other side and more unknown script.

Thanks

ariel · 12th October 2017, 05:11 PM

To the best of my knowledge these are Sumatran.

Dajak · 17th October 2017, 06:02 PM

Look like the Handle s made in Malaysia .

kai · 18th October 2017, 07:13 PM

Hello Ben & Ariel,

This eagle-like hilt is not Batak and probably not a very old style (late 19th century?); I'd agree that it's very likely ethnic Malay in origin.

Whether any given example originates from either side of the Straits is probably a moot point considering the mobile life style of the coastal Malay population in the region, at least prior to independence.

Regards,
Kai

12th October 2017, 04:52 PM	#4
Rick Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 6,339	Not to barge in here, but while we're discussing sabres of this ilk, can any of you give me a hint as to the origin of these two? I have only seen 3 of these in my years of collecting edgy stuff and would love to know their origin. The blade with the unknown script is puzzling because the wire used for the inlay crosses the blade edge and continues to the other side and more unknown script. Thanks Attached Images

12th October 2017, 03:41 PM	#2
ariel Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Ann Arbor, MI Posts: 5,503	Thanks Charles! Can you show Piso with iron handle that is verifiably “Malay”? After all, the cup-like pommel is old Indian: Jens showed a pic from Hamza-Nameh and Elgood showed one from Brian Isaac in the chapter about “important swords” As to bronze/brass distinction ... I have my, say, hesitations. Both are copper alloys and, taking into account rather primitive methods of smelting and contamination with various elements, it is often difficult to separate the two. And what about the trilobate quillons tips?

12th October 2017, 04:44 PM	#3
TVV Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Bay Area Posts: 1,663	Ariel, Here is a steel hilted Malay piso podang: the scabbard is definitely Sumatran. Teodor

12th October 2017, 05:11 PM	#5
ariel Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Ann Arbor, MI Posts: 5,503	To the best of my knowledge these are Sumatran.

17th October 2017, 06:02 PM	#6
Dajak Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 951	Look like the Handle s made in Malaysia .

18th October 2017, 07:13 PM	#7
kai Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 3,255	Hello Ben & Ariel, This eagle-like hilt is not Batak and probably not a very old style (late 19th century?); I'd agree that it's very likely ethnic Malay in origin. Whether any given example originates from either side of the Straits is probably a moot point considering the mobile life style of the coastal Malay population in the region, at least prior to independence. Regards, Kai