Indonesian, English or the other way around?

[Mel H]

Is it possible that the style of the carving on the scabbard is influenced by the swirling decoration on the pommel? There does seem to be some resemblance. As Kai remarks, British goods were everywhere in the 19th C.

[kai]

Hello Mel,

Is it possible that the style of the carving on the scabbard is influenced by the swirling decoration on the pommel? There does seem to be some resemblance.

This kind of carving of a protrusion at the scabbard mouth is traditional and fairly widespread in the greater Straits region - with more or less local differences in the details.

I'd posit that it rather was the other way round: The hilt got selected because it was thought to be a nice (and possibly exotic) match with the local style/taste. Kinda ironic that it found its way back to GB.

Of course, the possibility can't be excluded that a broken/missing hilt got replaced by a creative Englishman with access to local spare parts. The hilt does look very well worn though.

Regards,
Kai