SEA "golok", from where?

[Sajen]

This short sword, golok similar ended yesterday by ebay, now I ask myself from where it coming, the rusty blade seems simple forged but I like the handle. Someone out there is able to tell me the origin or have seen something similar before? Like usual all comments are very welcome.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Golok-machete-sword-knife-antique-indo-persian-dagger-armor-blade-shield-axe-/261237104341?_trksid=p2047675.l2557&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEWNX%3AIT&nma=true&si=vvE5yebMzen91fuMdsTCMXfdVFs%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc#ht_127wt_1170

[VVV]

Very interesting.

The hilt resembles those old ones once found around Lake Poso in Central Sulawesi. However, the blade does not?

Michael

[kai]

Hello Detlef,

I'm with Michael - central Sulawesi lake area. I hope you did grab it?

Regards,
Kai

[Sajen]

Thank you both, I know that I have seen this style of hilt before. Michael, do you have pictures or references? Is it possible that we have discussed this before at this place?

And yes, I am the winner of this auction.

Regards,

Detlef

[VVV]

Congratulations, this is a very rare find!

Here are some reference hilts from Kaudern's book.
I found one with a resembling hilt in mid-2007 and I think we discussed it then at this forum.

Michael

[kai]

I found one with a resembling hilt in mid-2007 and I think we discussed it then at this forum.
http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=3953

[kai]

Hello Michael,

The hilt resembles those old ones once found around Lake Poso in Central Sulawesi. However, the blade does not?
Seems to be on the short side - possibly more of a utility version similar to a Labo blade?

OTOH, quite a few penai and related swords from that general area come with fairly slender (if not flimsy) sword blades that are often considerably shorter than the heavily decorated scabbards suggesting that these may be more status pieces than primarily used as weapons.

Regards,
Kai

[kai]

Hello Detlef,

the rusty blade seems simple forged but I like the handle.
I'm pretty sure that the heavy rust hides a genuine, laminated blade. Please post pics after cleaning and staining! I hope we'll be able to glean some more info from "reading" the blade!

Regards,
Kai

[Sajen]

Congratulations, this is a very rare find!

Here are some reference hilts from Kaudern's book.
I found one with a resembling hilt in mid-2007 and I think we discussed it then at this forum.

Michael


Thank you for this picture, I think this is matching!

Regards,

Detlef

[Sajen]

Hello Michael,


Seems to be on the short side - possibly more of a utility version similar to a Labo blade?

OTOH, quite a few penai and related swords from that general area come with fairly slender (if not flimsy) sword blades that are often considerably shorter than the heavily decorated scabbards suggesting that these may be more status pieces than primarily used as weapons.

Regards,
Kai


Hello Kai,

thank you for the link from Michaels sword, this one I have had in mind. And agree with you that my one seems to be a utility version.

Regards,

Detlef

[Sajen]

Hello Detlef,


I'm pretty sure that the heavy rust hides a genuine, laminated blade. Please post pics after cleaning and staining! I hope we'll be able to glean some more info from "reading" the blade!

Regards,
Kai

Hello Kai,

agree again with you, the blade is most probable laminated but maybe not careful forged, I see forging flaws. We will know more after I have received it and have worked on it.

Regards,

Detlef

[Sajen]

Have received it and it is a utility knife in form of a golok and the blade is laminated. But I only have removed the active rust and have decided to let the blade dark like this. Maybe by time the handle will get a new ferrule from brass.

[Sajen]

Here a picture after the blade get cleaned and etched.

[kai]

Very good piece, Detlef! Good work: I knew there were some nice laminations hiding... ;)

Interesting to see that the enlarged tip was planned for and not just forged out from uniform stock.

BTW, what is the blade's thickness?

Regards,
Kai

[Sajen]

Very good piece, Detlef! Good work: I knew there were some nice laminations hiding... ;)

Interesting to see that the enlarged tip was planned for and not just forged out from uniform stock.

BTW, what is the blade's thickness?

Thank you Kai! :) I've known it as well, the lamination was visible despite the hard corrosion, one reason to clean the blade.
It's a very massive knife, it's 9 mm thick at the base and still 3 mm near the tip of the blade.

Regards,
Detlef

[Battara]

I LOVE what you did with the blade! :D

[Sajen]

I LOVE what you did with the blade! :D

Hello Jose,
It was a very good friend, not me! ;) Also when he isn't a member he lurking regulary here and will read your compliment! ;) :) :cool: I think that this knife is very old.

Regards,
Detlef