[dave78]

This is my first post on this forum and I look forward to your comments and expertise. I am completely new to the world of Keris knives so please excuse my limited knowledge and terminology on the subject.

I recently acquired this Keris knife after my grandfather passed away, and would like some more information on it if possible. I have included some pictures to help. All I know about this knife is that my grandfather, who is British, got it in Malaya around 1951 when he was there with the British RAF. It is about 10 1/4 inches in the sheath and about 9 3/4 inches out of the sheath (I can't remember what the sheath is called). I have done a little research on the internet, and all I can come up with is it was (I believe) made in the Sulawesi area because of the shape of the Hilt. The blade is smooth, so I don't believe it contains meteorite metal. Other than that I know virtually nothing else.

So my questions are rather general:

Is it from the Sulawesi area?

Is it possible to tell the age?

What type of wood is used and is that bone or ivory?

How is the condition and should I do anything to preserve it?

I greatly appreciate any and all comments and want to thank you all in advance.