My first post...and my first Keris!

[us_milcoll]

As stated my first of hopefully many postings in this forum. The Keris I have had for several years, it is responsible for a new division in my collection. :)
In that I was exclusively a militaria collector...then several years ago I found this in a collection of captured weapons from the Spanish-American War...well that did it.

Any thoughts on origin, or opinions in general would be appreciated...

Anyway, measures: OA 558mm (@ 22-inches)
Blade 433mm (@ 17 1/8-inches)

Mounts on the grip are Silver, has taken some damage (was in this condition when I acquired it). No sheath unfortunately...and the cutting edge has held up well for its age; hence I wish it had a sheath.

http://image.inkfrog.com/pix/us_milcoll/01_25_2006_039.jpg

http://image.inkfrog.com/pix/us_milcoll/01_25_2006_040.jpg

http://image.inkfrog.com/pix/us_milcoll/01_25_2006_042.jpg

http://image.inkfrog.com/pix/us_milcoll/01_25_2006_053.jpg

http://image.inkfrog.com/pix/us_milcoll/01_25_2006_045.jpg

http://image.inkfrog.com/pix/us_milcoll/01_25_2006_050.jpg

http://image.inkfrog.com/pix/us_milcoll/01_25_2006_046.jpg

[kai]

Wow, that's an exceptional, old Moro kris or, more specifically, a kalis taluseko from the Sulu archipelago! Cato (1996) would place this as (possibly late) 18th century but others tend to think his estimates may be too conservative. This is really hard to top as a first kris, keris, whatever... :eek: :rolleyes:

The blade is in great condition and you can easily make out the nice pattern welding along the blade's centerline (a light etch might bring this out better). It only misses both asang-asang ("stirr-ups" - you can still see their "shadows" across the base of the blade) a fact that I wouldn't expect from captured weapons. These could be replaced as well as a fitting scabbard added - Battara is the resident artisan to contact for restoring such a beauty!

Welcome among the kris/keris addicts! :D

Regards,
Kai

[kai]

BTW, this recent thread shows a similar example:
http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=1633

You can find tons of more stuff by searching this forum (and the archives) for the keywords "kris" or "Moro"... Enjoy!

Regards,
Kai

[kino]

A handsome Kris. Nice catch.

[Andrew]

I really like this sword. :)

[nechesh]

Ditto!!! And welcome. You can do a light etch with vinegar and make that center pattern stand out nicely. I second the reccomendation on Battara's restoration work if you plan to go that way. :)

[us_milcoll]

Wow....thanks for your great responses....I will be sure to post other items from my collection here as well. Wether I can top this one remains to be seen...but perhaps.

And yes, I believe I will go the route of restoration I will have to look into Battara's restoration work. thank you for the suggestion!

Good hunting...!

[kai]

Here are some pics:
http://home.earthlink.net/~federicomalibago/restorationservice.html

You'll find a lot more pics of Jose's work scattered throughout this forum...

Regards,
Kai

[Battara]

I love this kris! Envious of what the pattern will come out in the middle section. Congratulations!

I also want to thank everyone for the kudos on my work. You folks are very kind.:D

Here is one discussion of my work:

http://www.vikingsword.com/ubb/Forum1/HTML/002259.html