First kris

Bill M · 25th August 2007, 04:17 PM

Interesting kris. While most of what we see are made for tourists, well-to-do fighters or nobles, there must be some made for a common man that are still authentic.

Your piece could fall in that category. The metal work, particularly the carving on the ganja, would indicate a level of workmanship inconsistent with either "tourist" or "traditional authentic."

More like a native/village backyard forge. Looks like a solid piece that could do some damage. The wood looks like some of my "government issue" spears, a kind of ironwood.

I also would be interested in seeing if the blade was laminated. A kris expert, who posts on this forum, told me that he had never seen a laminated blade that was made for tourist.

If you are not familiar with etching, or staining, run a search on this forum. The process is quite simple, but you should follow the process for best results.

Gary Varner · 25th August 2007, 04:34 PM

I was thinking along those lines too. Obviously the more elaborate and beautiful weapons were for the wealthier people but, as you say, the common people also would want to have a useful weapon and this one does look like it would fall into that category. The seller believes that it dates back to pre-WWII but had no way to verify that.

Once I am able to do the etching I will let you know what I find.

Thanks!

Gary

Battara · 25th August 2007, 07:42 PM

I'm afraid that it is post WWII. I base this on the blade, although the hilt is also the same time period. Good luck on the etching.

25th August 2007, 04:17 PM	#1
Bill M Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: USA Georgia Posts: 1,599	Interesting kris. While most of what we see are made for tourists, well-to-do fighters or nobles, there must be some made for a common man that are still authentic. Your piece could fall in that category. The metal work, particularly the carving on the ganja, would indicate a level of workmanship inconsistent with either "tourist" or "traditional authentic." More like a native/village backyard forge. Looks like a solid piece that could do some damage. The wood looks like some of my "government issue" spears, a kind of ironwood. I also would be interested in seeing if the blade was laminated. A kris expert, who posts on this forum, told me that he had never seen a laminated blade that was made for tourist. If you are not familiar with etching, or staining, run a search on this forum. The process is quite simple, but you should follow the process for best results. Last edited by Bill Marsh; 25th August 2007 at 07:37 PM. Reason: Spelling

25th August 2007, 04:34 PM	#2
Gary Varner Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Sacramento, California Posts: 18	I was thinking along those lines too. Obviously the more elaborate and beautiful weapons were for the wealthier people but, as you say, the common people also would want to have a useful weapon and this one does look like it would fall into that category. The seller believes that it dates back to pre-WWII but had no way to verify that. Once I am able to do the etching I will let you know what I find. Thanks! Gary

25th August 2007, 07:42 PM	#3
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,272	I'm afraid that it is post WWII. I base this on the blade, although the hilt is also the same time period. Good luck on the etching.