Palembang by default

Gavin Nugent · 31st January 2016, 01:50 PM

As chance would have it, I have now an interesting grouping of Palembang Parang...the size and variation was virtually unknown to me previously as they are not a weapon often spoken of, seen, collected or written about. I am sure there are many out there just being neglected.

Below are a group of three, from the smaller size that I would consider ritual, perhaps for betal nut, a mid sized that could also be ceremonial but of a size and weight that could be very useful and the larger one with a scabbard, being of an unusual blade form and a very formidable weapon and a very rare and seldom seen of known of scabbard.

I hope you find the mix as interesting as I do.

Gavin

Miguel · 31st January 2016, 03:06 PM

Hello Gavin, l would like to thank you for sharing these items as I do not recall ever seeing one before and cant really understand why as they look such a useful, well made and decorative all round weapon, I do hope that other members who have them will share theirs also. Thanks again.
Miguel

CharlesS · 31st January 2016, 06:29 PM

Gavin,

I have seen the smaller two sizes, but never anything like the largest one. Most interesting!

Does it have a heavier and more business-like blade than typically seen on the smaller ones?

Thanks for posting.

Battara · 31st January 2016, 09:25 PM

Thanks for posting this Gavin. Like Charles, I've not seen the bigger one before. Great example!

Gavin Nugent · 31st January 2016, 10:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CharlesS

Gavin,

I have seen the smaller two sizes, but never anything like the largest one. Most interesting!

Does it have a heavier and more business-like blade than typically seen on the smaller ones?

Thanks for posting.

Gentlemen,

Than you for the comments.

The large one is all business with a very sharp blade.
It is 68.5cms long out of the scabbard, a scabbard which I suspect is early 20th century construction and being of original native form when compared to other sword types from the region published in Holstein.
It will remain uncleaned for quite some time but at face value I do not see the same pamor construction as the smaller two, more like a very good Sanmei of similar construction with a very hard cutting edge....a proper clean may reveal a fine pattern welded surface like other Palembang sword types...
Its spine is fully inlaid the entire length and the tip is very unusual.

Gavin

Sajen · 1st February 2016, 05:44 PM

Hello Gavin,

nice set of different sizes! I am as well can't remember to have seen such a large one. Please show them again when the blades are cleaned and etched.

Regards,
Detlef

31st January 2016, 01:50 PM	#1
Gavin Nugent Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 2,818	Palembang by default As chance would have it, I have now an interesting grouping of Palembang Parang...the size and variation was virtually unknown to me previously as they are not a weapon often spoken of, seen, collected or written about. I am sure there are many out there just being neglected. Below are a group of three, from the smaller size that I would consider ritual, perhaps for betal nut, a mid sized that could also be ceremonial but of a size and weight that could be very useful and the larger one with a scabbard, being of an unusual blade form and a very formidable weapon and a very rare and seldom seen of known of scabbard. I hope you find the mix as interesting as I do. Gavin Attached Images

31st January 2016, 03:06 PM	#2
Miguel Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Posts: 584	Hello Gavin, l would like to thank you for sharing these items as I do not recall ever seeing one before and cant really understand why as they look such a useful, well made and decorative all round weapon, I do hope that other members who have them will share theirs also. Thanks again. Miguel

31st January 2016, 06:29 PM	#3
CharlesS Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Greenville, NC Posts: 1,857	Gavin, I have seen the smaller two sizes, but never anything like the largest one. Most interesting! Does it have a heavier and more business-like blade than typically seen on the smaller ones? Thanks for posting.

31st January 2016, 09:25 PM	#4
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,221	Thanks for posting this Gavin. Like Charles, I've not seen the bigger one before. Great example!

1st February 2016, 05:44 PM	#6
Sajen Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Germany, Dortmund Posts: 8,781	Hello Gavin, nice set of different sizes! I am as well can't remember to have seen such a large one. Please show them again when the blades are cleaned and etched. Regards, Detlef