Lovely Beladah Belabang (Parang Nabur) That Needs Help with Arabic Translation
 

Here is a lovely old, I am assuming 19th century, Beladah Belabang(what we once called a parang nabur) of a quality I have not encountered before in these.

The heavy, thick blade is superbly forged with its fullers cut out for a decorative appearance. The blade is covered in gold koftgari of extremely high quality and features an Arabic cartouche on darkened steel on each side AND along the spine. I am hoping to get some help with translation of this cartouches. Thanks in advance for any help.


Note the hilt's horn is carved in a better than typical fashion with a lovely floral row on each side of the top and detailed floral pommel. The ferrule is quality silver and not much, if any, alloy.

While some of the gold koftgari floral motifs look quite Islamic, especially those surrounding the cartouches, there are other areas, notably at the forte and far end of the cartouches, that look more European in style to my eye. Also note the koftgari on the hilt knuckle bow...to me this looks very European. I am wondering what others think of this and if they agree.

This was a great Christmas surprise and I am thrilled to have it.

Constructive input is always appreciated.

What an absolutely stunning piece ! Were you really that good last year to merit a Christmas present of that magnitude ???

Good???...me???...oh yes!!!
:D

What a fantabulous piece !!!

um....wow! :cool:

When do you start the museum. ;) Very nice piece, I always appreciate seeing the interesting pieces you have, sadly I can't comment on the specific questions you had but hopefully others will!

nice fuller. ;)

wow, bro! i've seen some nice beladahs, but this one takes the cake! awesome catch!!! congrats! you seem to have a magnet for beauties

Stunning!!!

The blade does not look like it was made in Borneo, even if it is modelled after a BB.
Perhaps a Banjarese ordered it somewhere else when he was on a hajj or a trade tour?

Michael

Like I mentioned Michael...to me 1/4 of the koftgari doesn't look like it came from anywhere I can think of in the Islamic world. I am most curious about it. I certainly would not count out your theory.

That is a fantastic and interesting sword!
Congratulations with your beauty. I can't give you more information about the blade, as I have never seen something like this before.
I hope others would be able to give a translation.

Maurice

The inlay/decoration is coming back in the handguard and "screw" on top of the handle.
So there might be a possibility a foreign artisan made the inlay in Bandjermasin?

Wow, talk about artistry in steel.

I will not be able to give any other feedback than WOW. That is an amazing piece! And also, even if the style is Banjar I do not think the blade is. Leaning towards the Hajj theory too.

South Borneo (Bandjermassin and surroundings), were a wasp's nest of cultures and people!

Wow !! :eek: :eek: :eek: congratulations, What a beauty piece !! The blade is from another world !!
The best blade I have never seen in this type of sword
thanks
carlos

Thanks so much for all the kind words guys. I am still hoping for some help with the translations.

Thanks again.

No help here, but it's extraordinarily beautiful.
Steve

I have just been told that all the inscriptions, including the spine, are Qur'anic verses, but would still love a translation if possible.