Ethnographic Arms & Armour - View Single Post - D&L's Kris-Por mi Lei Y Por mi Rei

kai · 26th February 2011, 08:11 AM

Hello Lonna & Dave,

Congrats, another very nice kris!

I'm not convinced that this blade got forged during the "archaic" period (18th c. in Cato's classification hypothesis) - looks more like a first half of 19th c. blade to me. However, it has unusual features which probably make any dating attempt difficult.

I doubt that this is a Moro blade which got inscribed after capture by a Spanish soldier. IMHO the langet-like feature at the base of the blade suggests that this kris got crafted from an European blade by welding on additional material at the gangya area. I'd guess that an etch will clear up the construction.

We've had a few other kris/sundang with recycled European blades - will try to dig out those threads. I'd also suggest to run it by the European weapons subforum to hopefully get more clues on the blade.

Regards,
Kai

26th February 2011, 08:11 AM	#10
kai Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 3,219	Hello Lonna & Dave, Congrats, another very nice kris! I'm not convinced that this blade got forged during the "archaic" period (18th c. in Cato's classification hypothesis) - looks more like a first half of 19th c. blade to me. However, it has unusual features which probably make any dating attempt difficult. I doubt that this is a Moro blade which got inscribed after capture by a Spanish soldier. IMHO the langet-like feature at the base of the blade suggests that this kris got crafted from an European blade by welding on additional material at the gangya area. I'd guess that an etch will clear up the construction. We've had a few other kris/sundang with recycled European blades - will try to dig out those threads. I'd also suggest to run it by the European weapons subforum to hopefully get more clues on the blade. Regards, Kai