Identifying Another Borneo Sword

CharlesS · 16th May 2013, 01:12 AM

I am hoping the "Borneo gang" can help me identify the type and origin of the Borneo parang. It is flat on both sides of the blade, has a silver ferrule, and its shape does not seem to fit nicely into any of the Banks/Shelford categories.

Any ideas on a correct name, origin, and guesstimation of age on this one???

Maurice · 16th May 2013, 05:59 PM

That's a lovely Borneo sword Charles!
Where the hell do you find all your stuff???

IMO it's from Sabah and it's called a Gayang.
Probably late 19th century, as it is definately old style, but seem to be preserved very well.
Are there any signs of restoration you're aware off (or know off)?

A very beautifull sword with just the right patina on it!

Congratulations with this great find!
Maurice

Maurice · 16th May 2013, 06:05 PM

PS, Is it my correct observation according the pictures that I see a part of the scalp sticking out of the handle where the thick tuft of hair is coming out?

VVV · 17th May 2013, 06:49 PM

Nice find!

I agree with Maurice and it is bonus with all the hair intact on the scabbard.

Michael

CharlesS · 17th May 2013, 09:56 PM

Thanks guys...was hoping to hear from you two. Thanks for being so helpful.

I was a little perplexed when I couldn't find this one in Banks/Shelford.

asomotif · 19th May 2013, 11:14 AM

Hello Charles,

I am not that deep into the classification, so I always wait for others to do the name game.

I a pretty good in Oooohs and Aaaahs, and awesome cool sword... !

Here is a picture that you probably already know.
Wonderfull that all the orignal hair is still there.
Do you have some close ups op how the hait is connected to the scabbard ?

Best regards,
Willem

Maurice · 19th May 2013, 11:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by asomotif

Here is a picture that you probably already know.

where do I have to look

asomotif · 19th May 2013, 11:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maurice

where do I have to look

Patience, due to the magic of Microsoft I could not find the correct program to copy the picture

CharlesS · 19th May 2013, 01:59 PM

Thanks so much for the photo!! Awesome!!

Are these Dutch colonial troops also carrying their own weapons???

Nice parapat/pakayun to boot!!

I had mentioned to Maurice I figured the gayang had to be worn "edge up"
and so I guess this pretty much confirms that.

Maurice · 19th May 2013, 02:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CharlesS

I had mentioned to Maurice I figured the gayang had to be worn "edge up"
and so I guess this pretty much confirms that.

Sorry Charles I indeed forgot to answer your mentioning in my email.
But yes, them are worn like that, just like mandaus.

Maurice

asomotif · 20th May 2013, 10:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CharlesS

Are these Dutch colonial troops also carrying their own weapons???

Nice parapat/pakayun to boot!!

Hello Charles,

Seeing the pilbox hats I am pretty sure they are British dayak troops.
The firearms are not known to me. They don't look like Lee Enfield/SMLE.
More like some kind of lever action rifle

(I am adding a postcard from the 1930's depicting britisch dyak troops, unfortunately these chaps are in regulation dress.)

CharlesS · 19th May 2013, 02:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by asomotif

Wonderfull that all the orignal hair is still there.
Do you have some close ups op how the hait is connected to the scabbard ?

Willem, I am on the coast of NC at the moment but will attach more pics when I get home.

16th May 2013, 01:12 AM	#1
CharlesS Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Greenville, NC Posts: 1,854	Identifying Another Borneo Sword I am hoping the "Borneo gang" can help me identify the type and origin of the Borneo parang. It is flat on both sides of the blade, has a silver ferrule, and its shape does not seem to fit nicely into any of the Banks/Shelford categories. Any ideas on a correct name, origin, and guesstimation of age on this one??? Attached Images

19th May 2013, 11:14 AM	#6
asomotif Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: The Netherlands Posts: 2,228	Hello Charles, I am not that deep into the classification, so I always wait for others to do the name game. I a pretty good in Oooohs and Aaaahs, and awesome cool sword... ! Here is a picture that you probably already know. Wonderfull that all the orignal hair is still there. Do you have some close ups op how the hait is connected to the scabbard ? Best regards, Willem Attached Images Last edited by asomotif; 19th May 2013 at 11:56 AM.

16th May 2013, 05:59 PM	#2
Maurice Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: The Netherlands Posts: 1,453	That's a lovely Borneo sword Charles! Where the hell do you find all your stuff??? IMO it's from Sabah and it's called a Gayang. Probably late 19th century, as it is definately old style, but seem to be preserved very well. Are there any signs of restoration you're aware off (or know off)? A very beautifull sword with just the right patina on it! Congratulations with this great find! Maurice

16th May 2013, 06:05 PM	#3
Maurice Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: The Netherlands Posts: 1,453	PS, Is it my correct observation according the pictures that I see a part of the scalp sticking out of the handle where the thick tuft of hair is coming out?

17th May 2013, 06:49 PM	#4
VVV Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Sweden Posts: 1,637	Nice find! I agree with Maurice and it is bonus with all the hair intact on the scabbard. Michael

17th May 2013, 09:56 PM	#5
CharlesS Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Greenville, NC Posts: 1,854	Thanks guys...was hoping to hear from you two. Thanks for being so helpful. I was a little perplexed when I couldn't find this one in Banks/Shelford.

19th May 2013, 01:59 PM	#9
CharlesS Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Greenville, NC Posts: 1,854	Thanks so much for the photo!! Awesome!! Are these Dutch colonial troops also carrying their own weapons??? Nice parapat/pakayun to boot!! I had mentioned to Maurice I figured the gayang had to be worn "edge up" and so I guess this pretty much confirms that.