Swords from the Pacific brought back after WW2. ID help requested.

[David]

Originally Posted by kai

Yes, that is a Moro kris. A kalis taluseko from the Sulu archipelago with horsehoof-shaped hilt made of horn (any tiny holes visible on the polygonal pommel?); the asang-asang appear to be aluminium and probably are later and rather crude replacements. I'm sure it would be worth to have some new ones made from silver before renewing the grip braiding.

Just curious why you would recommend silver replacements. Do you think it is likely that the original asang-asang were silver. I would think that the use of silver or other precious metal would denote a certain sense of status that i am not convinced this blade ever held.

[Battara]

I agree with David - these asang-asang could be the originals. Need to see if the ganga is separate to be sure.

If separate, then they could be later.

Need close ups of the end of the blade where it goes into the hilt area to see.

[David]

Originally Posted by Battara

I agree with David - these asang-asang could be the originals. Need to see if the ganga is separate to be sure.

If separate, then they could be later.

Need close ups of the end of the blade where it goes into the hilt area to see.

I wasn't necessarily suggesting that the as sang-asang are original, though i suppose that is possible. I was more questioning if silver would be an appropriate metal to use in replacement on a sword that doesn't appear to be a weapon of status. I guess my own personal stance is that as a collector i am interested in perhaps returning a weapon to as close to it's original state as possible if it has fallen into disrepair, but i am very hesitant to upgrade the original status of that weapon with materials (silver, suasa, gemstones, etc.) that might be beyond the original status level of that weapon.

[David]

Originally Posted by Battara

I agree with David - these asang-asang could be the originals. Need to see if the ganga is separate to be sure.

If separate, then they could be later.

Need close ups of the end of the blade where it goes into the hilt area to see.

I wasn't necessarily suggesting that the asang-asang are original, though i suppose that is possible. I was more questioning if silver would be an appropriate metal to use in replacement on a sword that doesn't appear to be a weapon of status (i.e. datu). I guess my own personal stance is that as a collector i am interested in perhaps returning a weapon to as close to it's original state as possible if it has fallen into disrepair, but i am very hesitant to upgrade the original status of that weapon with materials (silver, suasa, gemstones, etc.) that might be beyond the original status level of that weapon.

[brad2024]

Originally Posted by Battara

I agree with David - these asang-asang could be the originals. Need to see if the ganga is separate to be sure.

If separate, then they could be later.

Need close ups of the end of the blade where it goes into the hilt area to see.

I tried to take a couple of close up pictures of the asang-asang and the ganga to try and help.

I am most appreciative of the input.

As for the Bolo (I think) do you have any idea of the period and whether it may have been re-hilted? I am just wandering because I think it is a really interesting piece.

Thank you!