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19th December 2023, 12:56 AM | #1 |
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Join Date: Apr 2005
Posts: 3,254
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Thanks for the pics, Detlef!
Yes, the scabbard is modern - my guesstimate would be after WWII. Later scabbards seem even harder to place than antique examples. The blade obviously ticks some boxes well. I have some uneasy feelings though: My main problem is how the krowit seems to be carved out of the base of the blade a bit like an afterthought and resulting in this narrowing width. I don't think this blade is from the 19th century. The hilt seems to have some age. The carving is on the rougher side of things which fits the region; the grip braiding also seems genuinely old. To me that the copper "coin" is more recent (or horribly butchered from anything but TLC). Thus, this sword possibly being a composite also needs to be considered. All in all, I guess it might be fair to classify it as a jimpul. IMHO it might be more of a revival piece rather than an original from the transition period in the late 19th century. Let's see what others comment on this piece. Possibly the scabbard may help to narrow down the ethnic (sub)group it last got utilized by? Regards, Kai |
19th December 2023, 10:55 AM | #2 |
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Location: Germany, Dortmund
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Hello Kai,
Thank you for your comment! I agree with you that it isn't a 19th century sword like I stated already in post #20. But I doubt that the krowit is a later addition and the blade has definitely seen some action, there are several nicks at the edge. But you are correct by the scabbard, it's for sure much later as the sword and I occur with your dating. Regards, Detlef |
21st December 2023, 07:48 PM | #3 |
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Location: Minneapolis,MN
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On the subject of jimpul vs gayang, vs tilang kemarau, I'm mostly ignorant, but I have been told (by someone way more knowledgable than I) that this Borneo sword of mine is a tilang kemarau.
Have fun, Leif |
21st December 2023, 09:51 PM | #4 |
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Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Germany, Dortmund
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Hello Leif,
An interestingly sword! Sadly many Borneo experts post only sometimes, for me it would be interesting to distinguish between the three curved swords from Borneo. Regards, Detlef |
21st December 2023, 10:17 PM | #5 | |
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Location: Singapore
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Just to add to the discussion. I chatted with Charles Saunders on this topic some time ago while discussing the gayang below, and this was his reply (posted with his permission).
Quote:
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21st December 2023, 10:42 PM | #6 |
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Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Germany, Dortmund
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Thank you Jeff (and Charles) for the very useful information! Considering this information I guess my sword is a tilang kemarau. But still not 100% sure!
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