Unknown South East Asian knife for comment

[Sajen]

I've won a German online auction for this very unusual knife. For the moment I can only post two poor pictures from the seller. Kembang kacang, double crown at the bolster, laminated blade. Handle is from horn and shows maybe the mystical swan hongsa/hamsa. Any comments and ideas? The knife is 48 cm long.

[Peter Andeweg]

Interesting piece!

I believe it is from Mid or West-Sumatra, probably the Aceh area due to the decoration on the bolster and steep angle similar seen on rencong and other swords and daggers from that region.
The hilt carving seems to show some Batak influence perhaps?

Best! Peter

[Sajen]

Originally Posted by Peter Andeweg

Interesting piece!

I believe it is from Mid or West-Sumatra, probably the Aceh area due to the decoration on the bolster and steep angle similar seen on rencong and other swords and daggers from that region.
The hilt carving seems to show some Batak influence perhaps?

Best! Peter

Hi Peter,
Thanks for your comment. I doubt the Sumatra origin a bit. I don't recall ever seeing a kembang kacang on a Sumatran knife, nor does the thick spine of the blade. Also, I have never seen such a handle on a Sumatra knife. I suspect an origin from the area of ​​today's border region between Malaysia and Thailand. But of course I could be completely wrong. As I said, the handle reminds me of the mythical hongsa swan, see picture.

Regards,
Detlef

[David]

I'm afraid i was thinking more along Peter's line of Sumatra. I don't see this as a mainland piece at all.

[Athanase]

Hello,

I also find that there is a little batak influence in the handle as well.
The blade is a curious mix. Without the Kembang Kacang it would be a Sewar blade from Aceh with a precious metal crown that would have disappeared leaving only the hollows of its implantation.

[Sajen]

Originally Posted by Athanase

I also find that there is a little batak influence in the handle as well.
The blade is a curious mix. Without the Kembang Kacang it would be a Sewar blade from Aceh with a precious metal crown that would have disappeared leaving only the hollows of its implantation.

Hello Severin,

It's the grip in particular that unsettles me and makes me think of a mainland origin. I have never seen a similar hilt or blade in all my years of collecting and caring. Can't wait to receive it and handle it!

Regards,
Detlef

[Sajen]

Originally Posted by David

I'm afraid i was thinking more along Peter's line of Sumatra. I don't see this as a mainland piece at all.

Hello David,
No need to worry. There are certainly reasons to think of Sumatran origins, especially the crowns that adorn the bolster. It is definitely an unusual knife. It's the grip in particular that makes me think of the mainland, but I'm far from sure.

Regards,
Detlef

[Peter Andeweg]

Originally Posted by Sajen

Hi Peter,
Thanks for your comment. I doubt the Sumatra origin a bit. I don't recall ever seeing a kembang kacang on a Sumatran knife, nor does the thick spine of the blade. Also, I have never seen such a handle on a Sumatra knife. I suspect an origin from the area of ​​today's border region between Malaysia and Thailand. But of course I could be completely wrong. As I said, the handle reminds me of the mythical hongsa swan, see picture.

Regards,
Detlef

An interesting thought, I'm eager to see some more pictures of it when you have received it!

[Sajen]

Originally Posted by Peter Andeweg

An interesting thought, I'm eager to see some more pictures of it when you have received it!

Be sure that I will post more and better pictures soon as I have received it!

[Sajen]

Finally I have received it and maybe I have to revise my mind of the origin and have to agree with Peter.

Have cleaned the blade on one side, here are some first pictures. There are some chips at the handle the seller don't mentioned, on the other hand, it was not apparent from the seller's pictures that the handle is open worked.