Interesting Rentcong Perhaps for a Princely Child??

[CharlesS]

This unusual, but beautiful, rentcong is of high quality silver from top to bottom, including the blade!!

It clearly was never intended for use, but likely for status wear. It is only about 11in. overall, so I am assuming it is for a child.

[RSWORD]

I once read somewhere that the ivory blades with beautifully carved ivory hilts sometimes found in dha were presumabley worn at court so that those closest to the king could not assassinate. Perhaps it is a status symbol to be worn at court but with silver blade so that the king was not in jeopardy of being attacked?

[Robert]

A silver blade if treated properly when made would still be deadly. :eek:

[Rick]

Simply beautiful .
Cold forging would harden the silver ?

2.5 inches can kill . :eek:

[Robert]

Cold forging or just cooling the blade very slowly would give the silver enough strength to be used as a weapon. What the actual silver content of the blade is and what it is mixed with would also make a difference. I have seen a dagger with a nickel silver blade stab through a pine 1X4 without bending. :eek:


Robert

[Battara]

What a wonderful puppy! (and on my wish list for Christmas, hint, hint....:D)

[Dajak]

Hi Charles pieces like this are mostly use as letter opener by the Dutch people never for carrying or fighting .

I did have many off them they mostly souvenirs items .

Ben

[VVV]

Charles,

I think it's neither for a child nor a souvenir specifically for the Dutch.
The size is like the smaller, maybe for city or ceremonial use, rencong.
The hilt looks like traditional style and the silver sheath, with resembling motifs, I have seen on other 20th C rencong and sewar.
At the moment I don't have my Hands of Time-book around but I think B Leigh mentions silver blades?
Also that there are some knives with resembling sheaths from the local museum and local private collectors in this book?
Usually this kind of hilt has a layer of gold over the silver.
I have the impression that this style of rencong is maybe mid 20th C and made for formal use, like traditional weddings?

Michael

[CharlesS]

Knowing the collection this came from dating it to 20th Century makes sense, but I would be very surprised if it were a tourist piece....just not consistent with the remainder of the collection. I would have to agree with Michael on this one.

[asomotif]

20th century / souvernir :confused:

I don't know, but sure would like to have this one as an e-mail opener next to my computer :D :p