Presentation Keris
 

My normal field of interest is British Military Swords but I noticed this at auction and it seemed a nice bridge between two collecting areas. I have posted the details previously on other forums and I am aware that this is not a particularly noteworthy example of a keris but the provenance is interesting.
Catalogue description:
Malaya Presentation Kris to 1st Batt Loyal Regiment, heavy Damascus wavy edge blade. Silver grip ferrule.Carved wooden stylised bird head grip. Contained in its wooden scabbard with large throat. Plated rectangular panel engraved 'Presented to 1st Battalion The Loyal Regiment by the Prime Minister and The Government of the Federation of Malaya on completion of the Battalions Tour of Duty in the Federation 10th December 1959'


The Loyal Regiment were the Loyal Regiment (North Lancashire) also known as The Loyal North Lancashire Regiment. They began a three year deployment to Malaya in 1957. I have contacted the Regimental Museum who have records of the presentation but no pictures taken at the time.

Stats:

Weight: 10oz (0.27kg), with scabbard: 1lb 2 oz (0.5kg)
Length overall:18'' (46cm) Blade: 14.5''(37cm)
POB: 3'' (7.5cm)
Distal taper 0.33'' (8.4mm) at ricasso, 0.2'' (5.1mm)at mid blade, 0.12''(3.2mm) 2 inches from tip.


The Damascus (pamor?) blade is very textured and feels more like sawn wood than metal. I would be very interested in any furtherinformation people here can supply, particularly about the type of pamor and blade and hilt features. Thank you.

Hi Robert. Welcome to the forum. I am a little surprised that no one has commented on this keris. As you state, you already know that there is nothing particularly artful about this keris in terms of quality. It is a rather average Bugis blade. That might be why no one has posted on this yet. But i personally think that it is a notable keris, one i would certainly attempt to acquire is i were to come across it at auction, if for nothing else than the unique historical provenance. Thanks for bringing this interesting keris to our attention. :)