second keris

[PeterP]

This is the second keris I would like to present. Bought not so long ago I was attracted to it because of the sheath. I like the colouring of the wood, I have never seen one as black as this one. Shame it has been damaged, but it should be possible to repair it. I hope somebody can give some comments about this one, type of wood, origin of this keris etc.

[Sajen]

Hi Peter, pictures??

[PeterP]

sorry, my photos were too heavy, had to make new ones

[Sajen]

The used wood of the handle and scabbard is timoho wood, blade seems to be from dapur tilam upih. The keris seems to be from East Java. Try to repair the wooden sheath, it's a rare and expensive wood. After the repair use a good wood oil and polish the sheath with car polish. Nice mendak! The black ring around the handle is called kendit.

Regards,

Detlef

[Jean]

I agree with Detlef but personally I would wonder if the kendit band and gandar (sheath stem) are original or dyed and I would test it by filing a small corner (invisible if done carefully)... :)
Regards

[Battara]

I agree with Jean. May be the natural fungus residue, may be painted.

[David]

I personally wouldn't do any filing on this to try to ascertain anything. It is what it is regardless and why risk further damage to the dress. This may become clear during restoration if you take that path. The wrongko at least looks legit, can't tell on the stem or the hilt. But the wood at the base of the hilt looks like the same wood used on the wrongko to me if the wood grain tells us anything.