A Kris For Show and Tell

[vantique]

Hi, Everyone,

Here's one that you might find interesting. Pommel made out of very old
ivory, probably dugong. The pommel shape is similiar to that of Datu
Piang's sword (please see his website) :D. Gangya is separate with
Arabic writing (?) on the blade and a scabbard with bone on it. 18th,
19th century.

What makes this sword more attractive is a carving of a moro vinta (small, fast boat) on both sides of the handle, tossed on huge waves, and a large shark or whale below the water's surface. I discovered this depiction after
I bought it. The seller said that he didn't notice it at all, and said that he should have asked for a much higher price for it, had he effectively seen
the high seas scene. :p.

It is all of 29.05 inches; blade is 23.40 inches of solid, sharp steel. :D :D

Enjoy!

vince

vince

[Battara]

Nice and interesting piece. Not sure about the vinta, but I can see that it remembles a vinta. Anyway, the hilt looks older than the blade. The blade looks to be Maguinanao and perhaps made in the 1930s-early 1940s at the latest.

Is the ganga truly separate or is there just a line there? I ask because this was a transitional time where the separate ganga was being replaced by an engraved line to simulate a separate ganga.

Nice piece in any case. LIke the talismanic diamonds on the blade. Also is the blade laminated?

[vantique]

Hello Battara!

Yes, there is a clear and real separation to the gangya. No blade
lamination is evident.

take care.

vince

[vantique]

Oh :confused: 'lamination' as in those lines and designs on the blade! Yes, it has. I'll try to photograph these (with difficulty) and the separation on the gangya as soon as able.

me again,
vince

[vantique]

Pictures of separate gangya and lamination on blade.

best regards,

vince

[kai]

Hello Vince,

That's a great kris, congrats! Another vote for a Maguindanao blade from the early 20th c. (or possibly turn of the century). Hilt does look older indeed.

Could you please try to do a pencil rubbing of the engraving on the blade and post a close-up (easier to take an undistorted pic from the paper than shiny metal)? TIA!

Please let me know whenever you decide to part with it! :)

Regards,
Kai

[kai]

BTW, I'm not sure that what the close-up shows is laminations (could also be an storage artifact). I do think that this is likely to be a laminated blade and that it deserves an etch. Have a look in the archives and feel free to PM for details!

Regards,
Kai

[vantique]

Hi Kai!

Here are pics of the markings. Sorry for the delay, and here's hoping they're
not upside down :confused:. As to etching to see lamination, maybe just a small portion of the blade?? All my kris are unetched, all natural :o .

Be well and thanks.

vince