Interesting European Influenced Parang
 

Here is an interesting, likely Indonesian(possibly Malay???), parang with a great deal of mixed Indonesian and European influence.

I realize that these are not prized by collectors and not particularly valuable, but I find them interesting nonetheless, primarily for the cross cultural influences.

The parang at first glance has an almost 'toyish' appearance, but the hilt and blade are all business. The blade is of typical Indonesian style with clear layering. The hilt's grip is a silver Makara figure, but the guard style is quite European outside of the nice naga head at the top of the guard. The scabbard is typically Indonesian in style and but with a European style "cavalry" chape.

I am curious if any other collectors know where these were made. I am assuming this one is late 19th-early 20th century based one the style and quality of the blade and hilt.

Sword Dimensions:

Overall length: 28.5in.
Blade length: 22in.
Blade width: 1in. at the widest point
Blade thickness: just under 1/4in at the forte

Please feel free to add any comments, or correct me on my assumptions.

From Java I believe

My thoughts too Stefan, but I thought there may be a chance it's Sumatran.

Hello Charles,

I think that this beauty is valuable! :D ;) I also think that it is from Java, maybe North coast, Cirebon. Don't think that it is from Sumatra.

Regards,
Detlef

Charles asked me to share an example from my collection. You can see some similarities and some differences. My example has 3 silver hallmarks on the hand guard which look quite European to me. Second, the blade on my example is most probably European with curious markings. Charles has a blade on I believe an Indian sword with very similar markings. I think these things are pretty cool but like Charles wonder what they were used for.

Oh yeah! Forgot to mention mine has an Arabic inscription on the scabbard. Can anyone translate?

This looks to me like a shortened Hungarian blade. I have found them in all manner of weapons, Nimchas, shamshirs in particular from Syria, Indonesia esp. Sumatra. How they got to all these places god only knows.

It's hard to tell from the pics, but Rick's example is much larger and heavier than mine. When we first looked at that one together I thought it showed more of a Malay influence. The floral motifs are different as is the pommel(more lion-like), not to mention the inscription.

Does anyone perhaps see more Malay influence in Rick's example?

ORIENTAL ARMS HAD SOME VERY NICE ONES, SIMILAR TO CHARLES EXAMPLE ON HIS TABLE AT THE FIRST FORUM GATHERING AT TIMONIUM. PERHAPS ARTZI MAY HAVE SOME INFORMATION ON THEM OR MAYBE EVEN A OLD PICTURE OR TWO.
VERY NICE ONES YOU HAVE GUYS. :cool: