Moro Kris for comments

[Bill]

Originally Posted by VVV

But what is strange is that both I and the dealer, who is a quite experienced arms dealer even if his speciality isn't SE Asian blades, thought that the patina on both looked much older (like early 20th C).
Has that kind of work on the grip existed before the 50's?

Michael

I have no idea of a time line for the work. I based my opinion on a few swords I have, with some limited providence. I have one kris with very simular work that is from the 60's. Another that goes back to the 40's has a poorer quality that I (maybe incorrectly) assumed was early development. Battara may want to comment on patina. Not sure it is accurate for true dating. 1 good cleaning and 100 years disappears + different metal & conditions vary. The reason I don't think it goes as far as the 70's, is that conflict (going on again now) in the South diminished/disrupted metal work. But one craftsman may easily have a 40-50 year accumulation of work & a family, even longer. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if yours wasn't done by the same person as did mine.