Small Indonesian ? knife

[colin henshaw]

Hi

I bought this small knife as I was impressed by the quality of manufacture, although South East Asia is not really my area. I believe these to be called bade bade from Indonesia ? (or Malayasia).

Could someone kindly help with identification, age, origin etc. Also were they for use as a weapon or mainly as an article of dress ? Length in sheath approx. 30cm.

Thanks in advance.

[Sajen]

The shape of the blade is like a badik but neither the handle nor the sheath look like the badiks I know. Maybe a badik from a other island than Sulawesi or Java? Is the ferrule from silver or suassa?

Regards,

Detlef

[colin henshaw]

Thanks Detlef,

The ferrule centre section seems to be made of copper, with silver at each end. Regret I am not familiar with suassa and what it looks like...

Regards.

[David]

Thanks Detlef,

The ferrule centre section seems to be made of copper, with silver at each end. Regret I am not familiar with suassa and what it looks like...

Regards.
Colin, suassa can look a bit like copper as it is a low carat gold with a lot of copper in it. So it is a bit coppery, but less likely to tarnish.
Looks like a nice knife to me. Sorry i can't tell you more. :)

[erikscollectables]

It seems to be a Batak item - a bit like a kalasan.

Regards, Erik

[Battara]

By the color of the metal, I would say copper and not suassa. Suassa does not patina like that.

[KuKulzA28]

I heard these were called rawit... small utility/fighting knives... :shrug:

[asomotif]

Yes, this is Batak / a rawit.

Considering the materials they use, I would suspect Suasa.
But daylight pictures might help.

Nice piece. congrats !

Best regards,
Willem

[colin henshaw]

Many thanks to those who have contributed on this item. Here are a couple of better images of the hilt.

Is it possible to assign an approximate date to the knife ? Presumably the knife would have been worn in a waistband or sash of some sort ?

Regards.

[erikscollectables]

My guess would be between 1880 and 1920....