Strange Oriental sword

[Ian]

Here are pictures of the modified sword that started off this thread (center), together with a Dutch klewang (top), and an Indonesian sword from Tjikeroeh in western Java (bottom).

The latter is clearly based on the design of the Dutch klewang, but with some variation in the blade and hilt. It is named and dated at forte.

I agree that the modified sword is probably of fairly recent assembly and most likely put together by a Westerner. A large amount of epoxy glue has been used to attach the handle scales, and the ends of the handle have spacers of a black plastic material. The scales do appear to be bone. The presence of roll pins to attach the scales has been noted previously. Comparing it to an original klewang, I don't think the tang has been cut down. The blade has been sharpened and has been reblued.

Ian.