First post from new member...

[David]

Originally Posted by vogan

If they have a Balinese Keris with a plain wood handle and a spectacular gold plated Bayu studded with semi-precious gems comes their way- does the plain Jane handle come off and go in a drawer? Or does one leave well enough alone when in possession of a Keris, the parts of which look tolerably harmonious or “right,” pretty much mating up in terms of wear, perceived age, and the Fashion appropriate to a particular period and locale?

Welcome Vogan!
I think you have been given some pretty good advice so far. One thing i would add is that while i have been know to swap out old worn out pieces such as mendaks and hilts, one should keep in mind that the quality of dress should be appropiate to the quality of the blade. So you probably wouldn't want to put an extravagant gold and bejewelled bayu hilt on and average or
or low grade Bali blade. Likewise, you probably wouldn't want to leave a fairly decent or high end blade in some modern tourist dress.