Unusual spear for ID.

Bill M · 29th January 2009, 02:10 PM

Overall length: 66"
blade is 20" x 3.5"
Ferrule: 5"
Shaft is about 1 3/8" thick at widest point

The scabbard has an Indonesian look. Yet I have not seen a spear like this of Indonesian heritage. The brass or bronze bands holding the scabbard together, as well as the scabbard itself are more crudely made than the spear. Almost have a "Chinese" feel as though it was made for the spear by someone of less skill. Possibly a tourist scabbard???

I can't find a picture of the spear head, with a possible exception of a Batak head that looks somewhat similar, but not exactly.

Massive, heavy and stout piece. Comes from an old collection that had a few good pieces, but more wall hangers. This is the only weapon he had.

Appreciate any ideas or comments to help better understand what this is?

Atlantia · 29th January 2009, 02:48 PM

Its very fine Bill!
My first thought was Chinese fighting spear.

Nonoy Tan · 29th January 2009, 05:56 PM

Hi Bill,

I have seen Sulu spears with brass ferrules that are decorated with flower designs (like Chinese). I can only guess that these spears were inspired through the close trade between China and the Sulu region in the past. I will not discount the possibility that your spear is Sulu (i.e Philippines AND Indonesia)

Rick · 29th January 2009, 07:51 PM

This spear does seem to show an Indonesian style of Metuk .

Malay ?

29th January 2009, 02:10 PM	#1
Bill M Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: USA Georgia Posts: 1,599	Unusual spear for ID. Overall length: 66" blade is 20" x 3.5" Ferrule: 5" Shaft is about 1 3/8" thick at widest point The scabbard has an Indonesian look. Yet I have not seen a spear like this of Indonesian heritage. The brass or bronze bands holding the scabbard together, as well as the scabbard itself are more crudely made than the spear. Almost have a "Chinese" feel as though it was made for the spear by someone of less skill. Possibly a tourist scabbard??? I can't find a picture of the spear head, with a possible exception of a Batak head that looks somewhat similar, but not exactly. Massive, heavy and stout piece. Comes from an old collection that had a few good pieces, but more wall hangers. This is the only weapon he had. Appreciate any ideas or comments to help better understand what this is? Attached Images

29th January 2009, 02:48 PM	#2
Atlantia Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: The Sharp end Posts: 2,928	Its very fine Bill! My first thought was Chinese fighting spear.

29th January 2009, 05:56 PM	#3
Nonoy Tan Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 293	Hi Bill, I have seen Sulu spears with brass ferrules that are decorated with flower designs (like Chinese). I can only guess that these spears were inspired through the close trade between China and the Sulu region in the past. I will not discount the possibility that your spear is Sulu (i.e Philippines AND Indonesia)

29th January 2009, 07:51 PM	#4
Rick Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 6,293	This spear does seem to show an Indonesian style of Metuk . Malay ?