Twistcore kris with... erm.. Wha-- What is this?

[kai]

Hello Ron,

If you're really so inclined to know dave, if this hilt was a western vs. local addition, you could perform a simple test.

I agree that it would be worth to check (if only to remove the hilt for a thorough cleaning and etching of the blade): a non resin-based glue would be proof of a modern restoration attempt.

However, the reverse isn't necessarily true: lots of competent modern restorers would also use resin and up until a few decades ago using cutler's resin would have been the default procedure in most parts of the world, including western workshops. An experienced nose may be able to discern between different base resins utilised in the given mix but then again, resins from the archipelago (damar, etc.) have been widely traded for centuries...

Regards,
Kai