Solo Keris dating from 1821 for comment.

Athanase · 2nd August 2018, 11:37 PM

Hello,

I successful to decipher the 4 sign of old Javanese written on the back of the sheath of this keris, and surprise they indicate the date of 1821 !

Given the exceptional condition of the sheath I never thought he was so old.
We see that the sheath was specially made for this blade because the fit is perfect.
The blade measures 36cm and I suppose it is the same age as the sheath.

David · 3rd August 2018, 01:55 AM

Well many things are possible here. I wouldn't have much difficulty believing the blade is fro 1821, but i can see why you might have thought the sheath wasn't that old. The sheath itself may have been refinished, making it appear newer or just simply really well cared for. Or it may not be that old at all and the date may have been added latter or it might not be a date at all. While the perfect fit may well indicate that the sheath was made for the blade it does not necessarily mean that it is the original sheath made at the same time as the blade.

A. G. Maisey · 3rd August 2018, 02:02 AM

I am in complete agreement with David.

Paul de Souza · 4th August 2018, 09:46 AM

Would this read as 1808 then?

A. G. Maisey · 4th August 2018, 02:01 PM

Javanese numbers 101

Athanase · 5th August 2018, 11:08 PM

Can the style of the sheath or blade of this keris indicate a time that reinforces or invalidates this date of "1821"?

A. G. Maisey · 5th August 2018, 11:44 PM

Blade style and dress style definitely pre-date WWII.

Other than that , it becomes guess work.

Athanase · 7th August 2018, 11:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by A. G. Maisey

Blade style and dress style definitely pre-date WWII.

Other than that , it becomes guess work.

Ok Thank you.

It's too bad for me that it's not possible to say more. This number will remain a mystery.

2nd August 2018, 11:37 PM	#1
Athanase Member Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: Paris (France) Posts: 428	Solo Keris dating from 1821 for comment. Hello, I successful to decipher the 4 sign of old Javanese written on the back of the sheath of this keris, and surprise they indicate the date of 1821 ! Given the exceptional condition of the sheath I never thought he was so old. We see that the sheath was specially made for this blade because the fit is perfect. The blade measures 36cm and I suppose it is the same age as the sheath. Attached Images Last edited by Athanase; 2nd August 2018 at 11:51 PM.

4th August 2018, 09:46 AM	#4
Paul de Souza Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Singapore Posts: 66	Would this read as 1808 then? Attached Images

4th August 2018, 02:01 PM	#5
A. G. Maisey Member Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 7,085	Javanese numbers 101 Attached Images

3rd August 2018, 01:55 AM	#2
David Keris forum moderator Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Nova Scotia Posts: 7,250	Well many things are possible here. I wouldn't have much difficulty believing the blade is fro 1821, but i can see why you might have thought the sheath wasn't that old. The sheath itself may have been refinished, making it appear newer or just simply really well cared for. Or it may not be that old at all and the date may have been added latter or it might not be a date at all. While the perfect fit may well indicate that the sheath was made for the blade it does not necessarily mean that it is the original sheath made at the same time as the blade.

3rd August 2018, 02:02 AM	#3
A. G. Maisey Member Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 7,085	I am in complete agreement with David.

5th August 2018, 11:08 PM	#6
Athanase Member Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: Paris (France) Posts: 428	Can the style of the sheath or blade of this keris indicate a time that reinforces or invalidates this date of "1821"?

5th August 2018, 11:44 PM	#7
A. G. Maisey Member Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 7,085	Blade style and dress style definitely pre-date WWII. Other than that , it becomes guess work.