Mandau origin based on type of hilts?

kai · 7th March 2016, 06:06 PM

Hello Nik,

I'm not sure when anyone has last encountered a genuine, antique mandau in any "antique" shop on Borneo. By all accounts that I'm aware of, the chances are very slim (and have been so for years if not decades).

The fittings of the example posted here are modern (i. e. non-traditional) and I don't think it makes much sense trying to narrow down its origin. Rather being an old blade in new clothes, I suspect the blade has been artificially aged.

The stag hilt seems to be of a somewhat better quality - still modern IMVHO.

Regards,
Kai

7th March 2016, 06:06 PM	#2
kai Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 3,255	Hello Nik, I'm not sure when anyone has last encountered a genuine, antique mandau in any "antique" shop on Borneo. By all accounts that I'm aware of, the chances are very slim (and have been so for years if not decades). The fittings of the example posted here are modern (i. e. non-traditional) and I don't think it makes much sense trying to narrow down its origin. Rather being an old blade in new clothes, I suspect the blade has been artificially aged. The stag hilt seems to be of a somewhat better quality - still modern IMVHO. Regards, Kai