Hello Paul,
Sorry for joining the party late and even getting distracted before finalizing this response!
Quote:
Any clues or thoughts?
What about age?
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This ensemble leaves me a bit uneasy.
The hilt does seem to have good age, good quality carving, might well be antique IMHO.
The blade is imported as many blades of keris Minang are.
The pendokok is of a more modern style.
The crosspiece bugs me: Even if possibly stained, it seems to have genuine age. On the other hand, I can't see it as a likely repair attempt; as an original construction it also seems more than odd, especially considering genuine traditional craftsmanship...
I believe the gandar and the silverwork might be a later replacement.
I'd need to examine this keris personally to substantiate any of these assumptions though.
Regards,
Kai