SEA sword....any ideas on origin?

[katana]

This has just finished, looks interesting....anyone any ideas?

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=008&item=180003464180&rd=1&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&rd=1

[Rick]

Ceylonese Kastane .

[ariel]

Yup.
I have one just like that: very nonfunctional blade. One wonders whether they were intended for fighting at all. The story of the Dutch bestowing them on local officials doesn't seem to inspire much faith in their use as real weapons.

[katana]

Thanks Rick...never seen one before..the European influence is fairly obvious... were the blades European or of native manufacture? Any ideas to its age? Just really curious...had considered bidding...but the price got too high to risk it on a 'hunch'.
I thought the hilt carving was nicely done..shame about the damage...the 'petal' motif on the blade...is it inlay?

[Rick]

Thanks Rick...never seen one before..the European influence is fairly obvious... were the blades European or of native manufacture? Any ideas to its age? Just really curious...had considered bidding...but the price got too high to risk it on a 'hunch'.
I thought the hilt carving was nicely done..shame about the damage...the 'petal' motif on the blade...is it inlay?

I'll bet a wander through the search might enlighten ; try both the new and the old forums . :)

[Ian]

Thanks Rick...never seen one before..the European influence is fairly obvious... were the blades European or of native manufacture? Any ideas to its age? Just really curious...had considered bidding...but the price got too high to risk it on a 'hunch'.
I thought the hilt carving was nicely done..shame about the damage...the 'petal' motif on the blade...is it inlay?
Hi Katana:

Interesting swords these. You might take a look at the threads on piha kaetta knives (also from Ceylon) when you browse the archives. They are very interesting too and some are quite old, dating back to the 14th C. and earlier.

The price for this one was very reasonable IMO. If you see another one at this price you may want to nab it. ;)

Ian.

[katana]

Thankyou all... :)

[Andrew]

Nicd sword. Enjoy it.

I like kastanes quite a bit.