Rencong for comments

mariusgmioc · 23rd July 2017, 02:24 PM

Hello,

I just aquired a few new blades and among them is the rencong in the photos. Both, hilt and scabbard, appear to be made of bone and the blade, while strong blade is integral with the bolster. The blade was obviously heavily corroded and roughly cleaned so I cannot discern any traces of lamination.

Total length in scabbard is 37 cm (14.6").

Blade length is 17.5 cm (6.9").

Any comments will be welcomed!

kai · 23rd July 2017, 03:09 PM

Hello Marius,

This is a later example, probably from the second half of the 20th century.

The blade is reasonably done but shows the flow of lines and details of, say, the post-WW2 period.

The hilt and scabbard show more differences compared to antique examples. The floral decoration seems more of a general Malay style and I'm not convinced these were crafted in Aceh. There was (and still is) quite a local Chinese/Malay industry in Medan producing old-looking pieces for the curio market.

Regards,
Kai

mariusgmioc · 23rd July 2017, 05:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kai

Hello Marius,

This is a later example, probably from the second half of the 20th century.

The blade is reasonably done but shows the flow of lines and details of, say, the post-WW2 period.

The hilt and scabbard show more differences compared to antique examples. The floral decoration seems more of a general Malay style and I'm not convinced these were crafted in Aceh. There was (and still is) quite a local Chinese/Malay industry in Medan producing old-looking pieces for the curio market.

Regards,
Kai

Thank you Kai for your comments. Yes, the rencong is definitely quite recent, as you said post WWII.

Had no idea about the hilt and the scabbard as I am not familiar with the traditional patterns.

Thank you once more!

Battara · 24th July 2017, 04:08 AM

I must back up what Kai says about the later make.

mariusgmioc · 24th July 2017, 07:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Battara

I must back up what Kai says about the later make.

Thank you!

Sajen · 24th July 2017, 07:29 PM

Hello Marius,

is this the original picture from the auction? When it is I think that it is older as before suggested.

Regards,
Detlef

23rd July 2017, 02:24 PM	#1
mariusgmioc Member Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: Austria Posts: 1,869	Rencong for comments Hello, I just aquired a few new blades and among them is the rencong in the photos. Both, hilt and scabbard, appear to be made of bone and the blade, while strong blade is integral with the bolster. The blade was obviously heavily corroded and roughly cleaned so I cannot discern any traces of lamination. Total length in scabbard is 37 cm (14.6"). Blade length is 17.5 cm (6.9"). Any comments will be welcomed! Attached Images

24th July 2017, 07:29 PM	#6
Sajen Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Germany, Dortmund Posts: 8,466	Hello Marius, is this the original picture from the auction? When it is I think that it is older as before suggested. Regards, Detlef Attached Images

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23rd July 2017, 03:09 PM	#2
kai Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 3,215	Hello Marius, This is a later example, probably from the second half of the 20th century. The blade is reasonably done but shows the flow of lines and details of, say, the post-WW2 period. The hilt and scabbard show more differences compared to antique examples. The floral decoration seems more of a general Malay style and I'm not convinced these were crafted in Aceh. There was (and still is) quite a local Chinese/Malay industry in Medan producing old-looking pieces for the curio market. Regards, Kai

24th July 2017, 04:08 AM	#4
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,139	I must back up what Kai says about the later make.