It is indeed a mandau. Over the years Lonna and i have collected about 200 more or less and we think that this blade shows the finest fretwork on any piece that we have ever seen. Fred Colluzzi sent us pictures of this sword about fifteen years ago and asked us if we had ever seen a blade like this, with this style of handle and were we interested in buying it. Naturally we jumped at the chance. I think it is definitely pre 1900, but as for the cast handle none of the collectors out here have been able to come up with an explanation. Fred seems to think it is a rough cast japanese naval D-ring handle. after seeing some of that type handle, he just might be right. We also don't know if a japanese soldier stationed on Borneo saw the blade and liked it or if a dyak saw a naval style and decided to copy it. It is a strange piece with a story that will never be really known..............Dave
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