A Cockatoo headed badik tumbuk lada

Rafngard · 24th July 2016, 05:58 PM

Hello All,

I recently acquired this and hoped my fellow forumites might be able to tell me more about it.

I read somewhere that this type comes from central Sumatra, and the form shows some Batak influence, but I'm not sure how reliable this is. The handle and scabbard I think are of wonderfully carved bone and the fittings seem to be nicely (embossed?) copper.

The blade has some form of calligraphy on it. I have no idea what language it might be nor what it says and would love if someone could read it.

I also haven't the foggiest idea on age, and would greatly appreciate any thoughts on it.

Overall, the whole thing looks remarkably similar to Kronckew's here. Mine has an extra band on the scabbard and the fittings are of a different metal.

http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showpo...38&postcount=8

As always, and and all comments or corrections would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Leif

Rafngard · 24th July 2016, 06:04 PM

I tried to get the calligraphy, but I'm not sure how legible it is.

Rick · 24th July 2016, 06:13 PM

I'm suspicious of the hilt and scabbard material; I think I can see casting voids in the handle especially.
I don't think this is very old.

Hope I'm wrong..

Sajen · 24th July 2016, 06:39 PM

Hello Leif,

I am nearly sure that Rick is correct, have handled some similar ones over the years, scabbard and handle are casted from a to me unknown material, cheap artifical aged blade. Very sorry to tell you the true, hope it was not expensive.

Best regards,
Detlef

kronckew · 24th July 2016, 07:16 PM

I have one very much like it in my junk drawer -was touted as 'bone' grip & scabbard. I think it's more likely a hard plastic. mine was a bit better cast. the blade, also with calligraphy is not of the best quality either. cheap tho.

Rafngard · 24th July 2016, 07:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sajen

Very sorry to tell you the true, hope it was not expensive.

Oh well, to quote Kurt Vonnegut, so it goes.

Fortunately, I did not pay much for it. So little in fact that I almost felt bad for the seller.
I feel less bad now.

Do you think the same is true of Kronckew's in the linked thread above?

If in fact you and Rick are correct, I think this is probably of an older generation of these, and not the current ones coming out of Borneo and sold all over ebay. I actually have one of these from Borneo and they are of significantly lower quality. I'm including a side by side pic.

Have fun,
Leif

Sajen · 24th July 2016, 07:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rafngard

Do you think the same is true of Kronckew's in the linked thread above?

If in fact you and Rick are correct, I think this is probably of an older generation of these, and not the current ones coming out of Borneo and sold all over ebay. I actually have one of these from Borneo and they are of significantly lower quality. I'm including a side by side pic.

1.Yes, think Kronckew has confirmed already in up. 2.This style of tourist sewars I know already long, so there will be also older examples.

Best regards,
Detlef

24th July 2016, 05:58 PM	#1
Rafngard Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Minneapolis,MN Posts: 340	A Cockatoo headed badik tumbuk lada Hello All, I recently acquired this and hoped my fellow forumites might be able to tell me more about it. I read somewhere that this type comes from central Sumatra, and the form shows some Batak influence, but I'm not sure how reliable this is. The handle and scabbard I think are of wonderfully carved bone and the fittings seem to be nicely (embossed?) copper. The blade has some form of calligraphy on it. I have no idea what language it might be nor what it says and would love if someone could read it. I also haven't the foggiest idea on age, and would greatly appreciate any thoughts on it. Overall, the whole thing looks remarkably similar to Kronckew's here. Mine has an extra band on the scabbard and the fittings are of a different metal. http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showpo...38&postcount=8 As always, and and all comments or corrections would be appreciated. Thanks, Leif Attached Images Last edited by Rafngard; 24th July 2016 at 07:15 PM.

24th July 2016, 06:04 PM	#2
Rafngard Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Minneapolis,MN Posts: 340	More photos, mostly of the blade I tried to get the calligraphy, but I'm not sure how legible it is. Attached Images

24th July 2016, 06:13 PM	#3
Rick Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 6,291	I'm suspicious of the hilt and scabbard material; I think I can see casting voids in the handle especially. I don't think this is very old. Hope I'm wrong..

24th July 2016, 06:39 PM	#4
Sajen Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Germany, Dortmund Posts: 8,769	Hello Leif, I am nearly sure that Rick is correct, have handled some similar ones over the years, scabbard and handle are casted from a to me unknown material, cheap artifical aged blade. Very sorry to tell you the true, hope it was not expensive. Best regards, Detlef

24th July 2016, 07:16 PM	#5
kronckew Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Room 101, Glos. UK Posts: 4,182	I have one very much like it in my junk drawer -was touted as 'bone' grip & scabbard. I think it's more likely a hard plastic. mine was a bit better cast. the blade, also with calligraphy is not of the best quality either. cheap tho.