Mysterious sword

[Sajen]

Hello Albert,

Very, very interesting sword! While hilt and blade let me direct think it's Sulawesi work I am more as confused by the silver fittings so I understand Ian's suggestion. Maybe really an antique marriage?

Regards,
Detlef

[Albert]

Thank you all for your comment.
I hope others can give some additioal information to solve the mystery.

[Kubur]

I'm not an expert in this kind of sword...
But this silver wire work is called filigree and very common in many parts of the world.

[CharlesS]

I tend to agree with the above comments. I am fairly certain the fittings are much younger than the rest of the nice sword.

[Ian]

Might it be that this sword took a trip with its owner on a pilgrimage, say on The Haj, and had the silver work performed in the Middle East. In that case, perhaps Ibrahiim might recognize the style of silver decoration and be able to help.


Ian

[Paul B.]

Here is a fairly similar silver decoration at the neck of a badik but this one looks much older. It comes from a recent auction.

Checked my collection and there is a keris dress with the same workmanship (anyway not silver). Later addition.

[Albert]

Originally Posted by Paul B.

Here is a fairly similar silver decoration at the neck of a badik but this one looks much older. It comes from a recent auction.

Checked my collection and there is a keris dress with the same workmanship (anyway not silver). Later addition.

Especially the decoration of the badik is very similar.
From where is the badik?

[Ibrahiim al Balooshi]

Originally Posted by Ian

Might it be that this sword took a trip with its owner on a pilgrimage, say on The Haj, and had the silver work performed in the Middle East. In that case, perhaps Ibrahiim might recognize the style of silver decoration and be able to help.


Ian

I see no similarities except in perhaps about 1%/2% of the work to anything vaguely Omani or Arabian thus I suggest it is purely local and true to form for its region.

[Kubur]

Originally Posted by Ibrahiim al Balooshi

I see no similarities except in perhaps about 1%/2% of the work to anything vaguely Omani or Arabian thus I suggest it is purely local and true to form for its region.

Yes filigree is not only Arab or Jew, you have filigree all over the world.
This filigree is South-East Asian.