Yes my opinion has changed since I have done more research. I now think this whole thing is from Tawi-Tawi island in the Sulu region.

Daaaaamn that's sick, Detlef!! What a great mission you've undertaken with this one! Love it, please take some more pics when you have it. :) This type of "elephant" is also my favorite of any found on all the kris/keris/sundang.

Jose, you are totally a wizard, that work looks amazing! With the caliber of stuff you hold though, you should seriously consider asking Santa for a new camera this year. ;) ...or maybe we should all chip in!? :D

Awesome you guys!

Best wishes, Thor

Thank you Thor! I only have had two options, either let it in this poor state like I have received it or let work this two excellent restorer on it.
Will post pictures when I have received it.

Regards,

Detlef

WOW on the restoration. Unbelievably beautiful job!

Thank you folks. :D

I have yet to re-engrave and then re-inlay the missing silver, and then make a Tawi-Tawi scabbard.

Oh and I apologize about my horrible camera techniques. Trying to work on that. :o

hi Sajen, I'm new to the forum and I was looking today to this post.
the clean up of teh blede looks wonderful and I would like to ask you how did yoo achieve this result. Did you work the blade surface machanically (sandpaper, abrasive stone or similar) or chemically?
I always wonder if it is "right" to use sandpaper (of course by hand), even if of very fine grade (say 800), on old blades to get rid of the rust.
Thanks
Paolo

Hi Paolo,

first welcome to the forum! :) In this case I've used wet-sandpaper (here 600) in combination with WD40. According to circumstances of corrosion I use finer grade of sandpaper or steel-wool and this, like you write, of course by hand.

Regards,
Detlef

Thank you Sajen for the quick reply :)
Paolo

You are welcome! :)

Ok I finally finished the silver inlay on the blade. Here are some pictures:

Since nobody comment until now: Good work Jose! :) Special because the remaining grooves have been very thin.

Thank you again,
Detlef

I apologize for not complimenting it earlier. I think I just have become spoiled and always assuming the best from Battara!

It does, indeed, look great!

Another beautiful example of work masterfully executed by Jose. If you do not mind my asking, when doing this type of restoration work are you using dead soft sterling wire for the inlay or silver wire of a lower silver content like silver solder?

Best,
Robert

Thank you Charles,
and I am aware that the compliment is mainly for Jose who bring this neglected blade again to life. :cool:
Here again the picture from the seller in the state I get this kris.

Regards,
Detlef

Damn José! Nice job...back from the brink of death... :)

Thank you folks. You are very kind.

Robert I use dead soft sterling silver wire. I don't like the look of silver solder, and it does not match what they did in effect or in authentic original technique.

Thank you Jose. I was only wondering because some of the silver inlay that I have seen has had that dead dull look to it like easy silver solder gets if left exposed to the air for too long. I imagine that it might have been a silver alloy of some type that had been used in the inlay on those pieces. Again, wonderful work.
Detlef, your good catch has now been transformed into a great one that I and I am sure many others as well would love to have for their own collections. Congratulations for being able to see past the damage, and for having this sword given the respect, care and attention that it was earlier denied. :cool:

Best,
Robert

I agree Robert that sometimes it maybe the alloy used. Also of course time and wear on soft materials like silver can make it dull as well.

Thank you very much Robert! It would have been a shame to let this nice blade in the state like I have received it. A description of this kris will be: "An antique kris from possible Tawi-Tawi, original wooden handle is restored, silver fittings and baca-baca new created by Jose Albivois, silver inlays restored by the same person." ;)

Regards,
Detlef

Finally here are pictures of the finished project.

Enjoy!

Hello Jose,

great result and a big compliment from me!

Here some additional pictures.

And here again a picture how I received this piece and after all restauration is done.

What a transformation Detlef. You can hardly believe that it is the same sword shown in the before photos. Wonderful work as always Jose, very impressive.

Best,
Robert

Thank you Robert. This was a long difficult project, but I always want to make sure that whatever I do, I do it right! :D

Jose, While everything on this is very nicely done the re-channeling of the blade (where needed) and the replacing of the missing silver inlay is absolutely exceptional work. Someone who had never seen this piece before and not known that the inlay was the mess you had to deal with would think it was all original to the blade and just in pristine condition. The photos really do not do justice to your skill and the level of quality you have achieved in one of the most difficult areas of restoration work. Anyone who has ever attempted the replacement of missing inlay in the traditional manner knows what I am speaking of. Again, my congratulations to you on a job most expertly done.

Best Regards,
Robert

Hello Robert,

it will get a place of honor at my wall! :cool: ;)

Regards,
Detlef