Unusual keris hilt
 

I am a rank novice when it comes to keris, but the hilt on this one seemed uncommon and perhaps someone could tell me about the particular style and its significance. I was surprised to see the final price given the rather "neglected" appearance of this piece. Am I missing something?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...tem=6522501627

Ian.

It appears to be a k(e)ris panjang? It appears to be a golok type handle, of a type which is itself reminiscent of piha kaeta.

Its a keris panjang with a rather rare hilt form. I was quite interested in this piece until I saw the damage on one side of the 'crown'. The hilt is anthropomorphic, and perhaps somewhat more man-like than other 'tapak kuda'-style (horse hoof) panjang hilts. The 'head' of the figure sticks out more than usual and the crown is quite elaborate.

I would agree with the above and would only add that the price is not particularly out of line for this type of keris, especially when truly antique. The handle is beautifully carved and i hope the owner is capable of a competent restoration. Of course, supplying a sheath will probably be the most difficult part.