Old or vintage Moro kris? Which Moro group?
 

I have acquired this later Moro Kris since I always wanted such a kris with a scabbard and hilt with these MOP plates and this in a better execusion and especially complete without missing plates. Have found it! :)
But I have several questions! :D Age guess? Second World War or short after? Sulu? And why is the show side different from antique examples, a question I have already long but never asked for!

Not being a Moro aficionado, I nevertheless put my 1 ( not even 5!) cents.
IMHO, it is quite new: the ganja is not separate, its contour is just made look like one with a couple of pretty crude incisions. Also, it would be tough to imagine that a 60+ year old working example managed to keep both mother-of pearl and rattan binding so intact.
I vote for the "Cold War I" period at the earliest.

I have to agree with Ariel. The ganja appears chiseled rather than authentic. I’d say it is mid 20th century Tausug.

Hello Ariel and Charles,
Thank you both for your comments!
Yes, the ganja isn't separate, this is clearly visible but not separate ganjas I've seen by examples from around the second quarter of the 20th century.
My own age guess was post WWII until the 70s last century which would mean that it is a vintage piece and I am happy with this age guess.
Like said before, long already I look for a complete example with these MOP plates at the scabbard and handle. Who have watched the market will know how seldom a complete example appears.
Of course it would have been nice to have an older blade refitted in such a dress but it's ok for me as specimen copy. ;) And the price was right. :cool:

Regards,
Detlef

Hello Charles,

By private mail someone guessed that it's Sama because of the workmanship.
And again, I am fine with mid 20th century vintage.

Regards,
Detlef

Is someone able to explain why the show side by later examples is different from antique examples?

I have seen these made in the 1960s and from Jolo (even though the front of the ganga could look Maguindanao).

What makes it look newer?:

1. the type of hilt wrap used
2. MOP was used starting in the 1910s and use of it for scabbards like this in WW2 and later.
3. The scabbard wranga is a later style.
4. the way the "horse hoof" style on the pommel is made is a later form from that in the 1900s.
5. The lack of a separate ganga.
6. The style of the ganga is more modern.
7. Cloth used on the scabbard is modern.

Just a few things to note. I'm sure others can add more.

Thank you very much Jose!

Regards,
Detlef