Quote:
Originally Posted by Gustav
I would be cautios to overclean the sheath (and to some extent the hilt), as you will end with a completely different appearance and much bigger contrast of wood and metal parts. I sometimes would let a piece almost as it is, and for me this would be such a piece.
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I agree this shouldn't be over cleaned, but if it were mine i would still clean it up a bit. Dirt should not be confused with patina and both the sheath and hilt are dirty. Clean and oil them carefully and they will look much better without losing the patina. I'd use a soft toothbrush and oil to clean up the hilt.
Warangan may or may not revel much pamor. Would be inclined to leave it as is.
What has been described as a selut here looks more like an oversized mendak to me. If i were to change anything about this keris it might be to find a more appropriate pendokok. This piece, while interesting, just looks a bit awkward.
I agree with Gustav. This was a well made keris and is probably 18th century.