Hello Jim,
It is quite fascinating to see the evolutions of all these blades. The variety is staggering and makes me wonder just how much time and money i'll spend from now on building up a decent collection. These weapons have been so important in shaping history that they embody a lot about the cultures that created them. It's wonderful learning all this.
Rick about that keris auction - that I had unwittingly posted while live - no, I didn't get to purchase it. First reason was that I just started playing the ebay market and I had a good bit to learn about successful auctions. Secondly I was unsure of its authenticity. I thought I'd wait until I'd read Stone's Glossary...and learn more - still haven't received it. Incidentally, my question at the time was whether the orientation of the pommel in regards to the gangya of the keris is of any significance, be it as a sign of authenticity, cultural differentiation or simply functional consideration.
I recently did purchase a different keris:
http://cgi.ebay.ca/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?...tem=7335199915
It'll be a while before I receive it.
Thanks for the encouragement
Manolo