Unusual spear for ID.

Bill M · 29th January 2009, 02:10 PM

Overall length: 66"
blade is 20" x 3.5"
Ferrule: 5"
Shaft is about 1 3/8" thick at widest point

The scabbard has an Indonesian look. Yet I have not seen a spear like this of Indonesian heritage. The brass or bronze bands holding the scabbard together, as well as the scabbard itself are more crudely made than the spear. Almost have a "Chinese" feel as though it was made for the spear by someone of less skill. Possibly a tourist scabbard???

I can't find a picture of the spear head, with a possible exception of a Batak head that looks somewhat similar, but not exactly.

Massive, heavy and stout piece. Comes from an old collection that had a few good pieces, but more wall hangers. This is the only weapon he had.

Appreciate any ideas or comments to help better understand what this is?

Atlantia · 29th January 2009, 02:48 PM

Its very fine Bill!
My first thought was Chinese fighting spear.

Nonoy Tan · 29th January 2009, 05:56 PM

Hi Bill,

I have seen Sulu spears with brass ferrules that are decorated with flower designs (like Chinese). I can only guess that these spears were inspired through the close trade between China and the Sulu region in the past. I will not discount the possibility that your spear is Sulu (i.e Philippines AND Indonesia)

Rick · 29th January 2009, 07:51 PM

This spear does seem to show an Indonesian style of Metuk .

Malay ?

29th January 2009, 02:10 PM	#1
Bill M Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: USA Georgia Posts: 1,599	Unusual spear for ID. Overall length: 66" blade is 20" x 3.5" Ferrule: 5" Shaft is about 1 3/8" thick at widest point The scabbard has an Indonesian look. Yet I have not seen a spear like this of Indonesian heritage. The brass or bronze bands holding the scabbard together, as well as the scabbard itself are more crudely made than the spear. Almost have a "Chinese" feel as though it was made for the spear by someone of less skill. Possibly a tourist scabbard??? I can't find a picture of the spear head, with a possible exception of a Batak head that looks somewhat similar, but not exactly. Massive, heavy and stout piece. Comes from an old collection that had a few good pieces, but more wall hangers. This is the only weapon he had. Appreciate any ideas or comments to help better understand what this is? Attached Images

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29th January 2009, 02:48 PM	#2
Atlantia Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: The Sharp end Posts: 2,928	Its very fine Bill! My first thought was Chinese fighting spear.

29th January 2009, 05:56 PM	#3
Nonoy Tan Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 293	Hi Bill, I have seen Sulu spears with brass ferrules that are decorated with flower designs (like Chinese). I can only guess that these spears were inspired through the close trade between China and the Sulu region in the past. I will not discount the possibility that your spear is Sulu (i.e Philippines AND Indonesia)

29th January 2009, 07:51 PM	#4
Rick Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 6,376	This spear does seem to show an Indonesian style of Metuk . Malay ?