BELADAH BELABANG
 

Just picked up this Beladah Belabang from our Maurice. don't think he's posted it before.

(he's posting it monday)

i could not resist it. :) i think it's gorgeous. been keeping my eye out for one of these for a while now.

from his listing:
Complete and original Beladah Belabang from South Borneo, Bandjermasin / Negara area.

Around 1850 / Bandjermasin war.

Unrestored condition.

Handle: (original blackned) wood, brass ferrule and handguard, complete with original "screw" on top. (15 cm)

Blade: sturdy and heavy blade (8mm thick), with floral designs and stabbing point. (68,5 cm).

Scabbard: wood.

Total length: 88 cm.

Provenance: Dutch market

photos by Maurice, with his kind permission.

I only know of two photos of natives with such BB.

Tinker photo
 

This photo is taken by Tinker, ca. 1870.

M.C. Schadee photo
 

This (part of a bigger) photo is from M.C. Schadee, taken in West Borneo.
An area were you don't suspect to encounter a man with a BB at first thoughts...

Nice piece, congrats! A BB is on my wish list already long!

Regards,
Detlef

thanks for the extra photos, maurice.

interesting that the dutch seem to favour the clipped klewang style point on their swords, like my dutchy one:

sword just arrived. nice heavy & sharp blade, clip point & back of yelman is also sharp. very deadly cutting weapon. all parts appear intact and undamaged, tight. 998 grams. balance point 23 cm. (8in.) from guard.

i love it.

blade was oiled, i made sure with some ballistol.

i'll add some basic scabbard banding to hold it together.