[CharlesS]

Beyond the blade form and unique hilt style, it seems about anything goes regarding the scabbards and dress of Bugis alamangs. This is mostly likely determined by the wealth and/or prestige of the owner.

Here is another one for study with a typical horn hilt and housed in a very plain wooden scabbard that is dressed in silver alloy bands around it. These were a mess, and Battara, thankfully, was able to get them back to their original form. Naturally, they would have been a little less "wrinkled" and tighter in their "working life".

The rather simple, even arguably tacky, decor of the fittings belie the nature of a superb blade, perhaps the best I have ever seen on an alamang. The blade is of extremely heavy, clever-like in weight, and a bit awkward to weld, but it is a thickly forged monster capable of devastating blows. Note the blade's beautiful layering. Also note the finely chiseled forte and what appear to be a "pinched" spine and edge just below it.. Perhaps most interesting of all are the inserts to the tip of the blade along with its decorative serrated spine at the tip. I am assuming the inserts are talismanic.

Another unique examples...comments and insights welcomed!

Dimensions:
Overall length: 29in.
Blade length: 20.5in.
Average blade width: 1.25in.
Blade thickness at the forte: 3/8 in.