A northern Malay pedang - Pattani?
 

This blade type seems widely distributed among coastal Malay cultures; even Batak examples are known (possibly refitted blades introduced by trade or as gift from neighbouring rulers): A relatively long, broad, and flexible blade with somewhat obtuse tip and a sharpened back edge (often about half of the length); usually with nicely pattern-welded pamor that looks indigenous to me. Some blades are more slender, fully edged, and/or come with fuller(s). Malay Chenangkas also often seem to come with similar blades.

This example has a well-controlled pamor mlumah with subtle/calm patterning and on top of this a pattern-welded "…XIIIXIIIX…” motif: This motif is commonly seen engraved or inlaid at the back of blades; here it is done in a similar way at the side of the blade as part of the forging work. Need to bring it out with a fresh etch, I guess.

This type of pommel with a rather obvious head and its distinct features is a variant of the ubiquitous Makara form and originates from the northern Malay culture, probably Pattani and neighbouring sultanates. Horn with old remnants of Melayu dragonblood paint visible inside the mouth; silver fittings and an old tassel. A closely related pommel type is known from Pattani nobility badek (cp. Spirit of Wood, p. 152).

Also note the heavy bolster (thickness 12.6 mm = 1/2”) in front of the guard!

Regards,
Kai
(Pictures courtesy of our forumite kino since I have yet to receive this piece obtained early this year - thanks heaps for your help, Albert!)

Another Pattani example
 

Here is another example of this type from Charles vast vault!

#6 in his classic thread: http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=4682
(An update would be greatly appreciated, Charles!)
Blade and pommel of the same type; silver guard and grip of the widely distributed type. Note also similarities of the scabbard! [Pommel not wayang-based though.]

Regards,
Kai

Pedang Melayu
 

A blade with very similar shape and pamor; no bolster:
http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=22865

Malay Chenangkas
 

A more slender blade as commonly seen with Chenangkas:
http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=16579

Malay Chenangkas
 

Another Chenangkas with pamor blade:
http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=17534

Batak Pedang (Piso Podang with variant fittings)
 

One more example: A similar blade in Batak fittings.

Regards,
Kai

P.S.: The latter 3 examples are just for comparison... ;)

Hello Kai,

crazy that you don't have received any comments until now! ;) :rolleyes: A truly beautiful sword you have acquired there, love the beautiful carved Makara handle. And you have done a very good research and the Malay origin seems to be a very good possibility also when the Makara from the Malay badek look slightly different but I can't offer a better origin from your nice pedang. Sadly the handle missing it's upper handle sleeve. Again, a truly beauty!

Regards,
Detlef

Kai, a very nice sword.

Only one thing - the metal sleeves and the motif on them is what we often seen on refurbished Minang and Palembang Kerisses coming out of post WWII Sumatra. I see the reason, why these could be Malayan, but... am not 100% sure about it.

So Gustav you are saying that these type of silver scabbard mounts are more recent?

BTW - Love the blades

Jose, I am referring only to the metal mounts on the first Pedang -

- yes.

That's the one Gustav, thank you.

Hello Detlef,

Thanks for your comments and keeping the ball rolling! ;)


Some details are quite similar, some others are missing though, indeed.

Note that the pommel size is different; utilizing horn also necessitates some changes at the mouth/etc. due to the hollow core as does functionality as a sword hilt.

Swords with these naturalistic makara pommel seem to be exceedingly rare and I've yet to find any well-provenanced examples. Given the differences between mine and Charles' pieces (and more differences compared to northern Malayan badek), I agree that we need to keep an open mind and more data.


That's quite possible! I need to examine it personally to check for any hints...

The tassel seems to have some age - I'd guess that the current configuration has been in use for a while (post-WW2?).

Regards,
Kai

Thanks, Gustav!

I don't have close-ups of the scabbard bands yet; assuming that they approximate the ferrule, you have a point, indeed. I need to research this some more!

Charles, could you please post close-ups of the scabbard (sword from post #2), please?

Regards,
Kai

Thanks, Jose! The ones that I handled also exhibited a neat balance.

I'll try to post some more pics after cleaning and etching...

Regards,
Kai

Love the pommel of "Makara"...great carving and really COOL figure :D