Opinions: large Kris w/ intricate inlay

Ian · 23rd March 2026, 12:16 PM

Gustav, does not the definition of "separate" require there be two individual pieces that can be pulled apart? The original post has no hilt and it should be a simple matter to remove the gangya if it were separate, But it seems to be firmly attached to the rest of the blade — ergo, "not separate." Whether it may have been separate in the past depends currently on interpretation of the surface appearance of the ensemble. Such interpretation can be difficult or misleading for pieces of this period, especially when there is substantial oxidation. My suggestion of an X-ray examination provides a more specific way of looking for a (partial) line of separation.

X-ray examination of the hilt also allows measurement of the length of the tang. Tang length of intact 20th C kris can be surprisingly short, sometimes in the range of 1.0–1.5 inches.

23rd March 2026, 12:16 PM	#24
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,681	Gustav, does not the definition of "separate" require there be two individual pieces that can be pulled apart? The original post has no hilt and it should be a simple matter to remove the gangya if it were separate, But it seems to be firmly attached to the rest of the blade — ergo, "not separate." Whether it may have been separate in the past depends currently on interpretation of the surface appearance of the ensemble. Such interpretation can be difficult or misleading for pieces of this period, especially when there is substantial oxidation. My suggestion of an X-ray examination provides a more specific way of looking for a (partial) line of separation. X-ray examination of the hilt also allows measurement of the length of the tang. Tang length of intact 20th C kris can be surprisingly short, sometimes in the range of 1.0–1.5 inches.