[A. G. Maisey]

I think the stringray legend might have been started by Gardner, at least he mentions it, but it might also have been Wooley . Don't think it was Hill. If you browse Gardner you'll find mention, I'm sure.

As for the blade, its a tombak blade mounted to a keris hilt, Balinese. These sort of cross mountings are not unusual, especially with tombak. If somebody needs an affordable weapon, its an easy way to do it. Some of these irregular combinations come up as very nice weapons.

EDIT

Yes, Gardner, just checked it.