Hello Alan,
Nice new aquisition and your other piece is just great!
How long are the blades? I'm not so sure about the Maguindanao attribution - what speaks against a Sulu blade, Jose?
I agree with Jose that this pommel looks like elephant ivory. (Sea ivory used by Moros is often from male Dugong but other sources are also known.)
Could it be that such an asymetrical, narrow fuller was inspired by colonial blades? I seem to remember 2 other kris with similarly unusual fuller.
You really have to be careful with ferric chloride! Ammonia is better for neutralizing in cracks and other crevices.
I'm very partial to cleaning and staining with weak vinegar since it is gentle on the blade and doesn't need any extra neutralization step - just thoroughly drying the blade (e.g. with the aid of a hair dryer) is needed. Try to heat the blade and vinegar for staining (after finishing cleaning, including all rust).
http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showpo...7&postcount=15
http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showpo...84&postcount=4
Regards,
Kai