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#1 |
Member
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Austria
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Hello,
I just aquired a few new blades and among them is the rencong in the photos. Both, hilt and scabbard, appear to be made of bone and the blade, while strong blade is integral with the bolster. The blade was obviously heavily corroded and roughly cleaned so I cannot discern any traces of lamination. Total length in scabbard is 37 cm (14.6"). Blade length is 17.5 cm (6.9"). Any comments will be welcomed! |
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#2 |
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Join Date: Apr 2005
Posts: 3,249
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Hello Marius,
This is a later example, probably from the second half of the 20th century. The blade is reasonably done but shows the flow of lines and details of, say, the post-WW2 period. The hilt and scabbard show more differences compared to antique examples. The floral decoration seems more of a general Malay style and I'm not convinced these were crafted in Aceh. There was (and still is) quite a local Chinese/Malay industry in Medan producing old-looking pieces for the curio market. Regards, Kai |
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#3 | |
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Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Austria
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Had no idea about the hilt and the scabbard as I am not familiar with the traditional patterns. Thank you once more! ![]() |
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#4 |
EAAF Staff
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Louisville, KY
Posts: 7,189
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I must back up what Kai says about the later make.
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#5 | |
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Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Austria
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#6 |
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Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Germany, Dortmund
Posts: 8,716
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Hello Marius,
is this the original picture from the auction? When it is I think that it is older as before suggested. Regards, Detlef |
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#7 | |
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Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Austria
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Yes, that is it! The original photo from the auction house. Marius |
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#8 | |
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Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Germany, Dortmund
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I disagree with the others, I think that the receng in question is pre WWII. And sorry, the auction picture is more meaningful. ![]() ![]() Regards, Detlef |
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#9 |
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Join Date: Apr 2005
Posts: 3,249
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Hello Detlef,
Thanks for adding the pic! The auction house didn't gave any support for their estimate - with them confounding horn and bone, I don't see any reason to put much trust in their descriptions... ![]() The blade is quite nicely done, indeed. However, it does show the flow of lines and details of later rencong; also note the forging flaws at the bolster. It may predate WW2 a bit - however, much more important is that it does appear to be made by an Aceh bladesmith. BTW, the Chinese/Malay souvenir industry in Medan was already in full swing by the late 19th century! I'm pretty sure the fittings were done there (post-WW2). Still, the genuine blade certainly makes this later example collectable. Regards, Kai |
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#10 |
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Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,232
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Yes, the descriptions of weapons from Indonesia by that auction house are quite often a little bit adventurous.
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#11 | |||||
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Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Germany, Dortmund
Posts: 8,716
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![]() Best regards, Detlef |
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#12 | |
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Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Germany, Dortmund
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yes, agree, sometimes you have to laugh but sometimes it was maybe the reason to catch great blades for small money. ![]() Regards, Detlef |
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#13 | |||||
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Join Date: Apr 2005
Posts: 3,249
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Hello Detlef,
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I'm quite positive that the blade is Aceh workmanship; the blades which I suspect to be made by other cultures are those gruesome examples with wax resist etching in pseudo-Arabic "calligraphy"... Quote:
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Regards, Kai |
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#14 |
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Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Austria
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Thank you very much for your comments!
I honestly am less concerned about the age of the pieces I collect... as long they are well crafted and in a traditional way. This piece is certainly well crafted but it seems in a more modern style. Is this style the result of a forced attempt to make the knives more marketable or did it come naturally, as fashion changed? ![]() |
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