10th April 2022, 08:58 PM | #1 |
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I seem to have bought a Sewar.
Went to a local arms and militaria fair today, and came back with a few prizes, of which this is one. I know beggar all about Indonesian weapons, but for some reason they keep ending up with me.
It's been on the buffer, so advice on getting some proper finish on it will be very welcome. I think the mounts are a very hard wood, rather than horn, but yeah, thats how hard the wood is. The bands are probably silver alloy. |
10th April 2022, 09:45 PM | #2 |
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Location: Ann Arbor, MI
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Very nice furniture.
Sewars are stabbing daggers and are not intended for slashing blows with likely hitting hard objects. I know about scarf welding, but just in case.... This sewar had a misfortune, but likely was important to to owner to justify the repair. But the carving and the silver rings on the scabbard are very attractive. |
10th April 2022, 11:00 PM | #3 | |
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Quote:
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10th April 2022, 11:27 PM | #4 | |
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Hello David,
Quote:
This piece seems to originate from the coastal Malay population on both sides of the Straits (either eastern Sumatra or, just as likely, western Malay peninsula). I'm not convinced this blade has been repaired - maybe the smith had to cope with limited resources. These blades are often made of non-contrasting laminations and rarely stained with warangan. A gentle etch may help to tone it down. Regards, Kai |
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11th April 2022, 12:52 AM | #5 |
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"The scabbard once had a horn (or, less likely, ivory) tip; if the crosspiece is separate (sharp pics would help), I'm willing to bet it and the hilt being horn. Old horn can be getting quite fibrous, too."
Certainly had a horn chape, there is still a fragment on one side. The rest looks to be as was.I am thinking of a gentle etch to take down the buffed shine. Vinegar, lime juice or the old standby....Worcester sauce! |
12th April 2022, 01:05 PM | #6 |
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Location: Greenville, NC
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Classic example! Really nice carving!
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12th April 2022, 11:33 PM | #7 |
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13th April 2022, 04:26 PM | #8 |
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Location: Germany, Dortmund
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Hello David,
Nice piece and I agree what others said already. Be very careful, they are very addictive! |
30th November 2023, 01:14 PM | #9 |
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Join Date: Jan 2011
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Better photo's from my new phone.
Hiya all. Got a new phone that takes much better pictures, much more detail... so much so that I have to reduce them to load them here.
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