Beginning in about 1978 I have dealt internationally in Indonesian , South East Asian, and other edged weapons.
At least once a week I get a query from somebody, somewhere in the world to give an opinion as to whether something listed in either Ebay, another auction site, or the site of another dealer , is what it is claimed to be, and whether it is old or recent.
Sometimes I am able to give a positive answer that identifies it as old, or new , or altered, or whatever, but even when I give that positive answer it is qualified by something like:- "based upon what I can see in the pictures".
Mostly I cannot provide an answer that I am prepared to stand behind. In other words, most times I simply do not know what I am looking at.
I have been involved with keris for more than 55 years; I have bought keris and other weapons in Indonesia for more than 44 years; I have extensive experience in restoration of keris and other weapons, and in the making of edged weapons including keris.
In spite of this experience I do not buy on the basis of photographs from people I do not know.
Why?
Because I cannot tell with any certainty what I am being asked to part with money for.
I regard the risk of getting other than what I want to be too high.
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