a Sewar cross-dressing as a Badik?

[DAHenkel]

Moshah, what you have is a badik most likely from Terengganu or perhaps Pahang. The badik Kelantan has a slightly different form blade and scabbard as does Pattani, which is different again. However, unlike badik from Sumatra and Riau, Northeast Peninsular badik do have a bolster or "mar" in local terminology and thus resemble the Sumatran sewar. I have not seen material like that used for your hilt but looks like s/t marine...possibly fossilized. I will ask around next time I'm up in Kelantan.

[Moshah]

Originally Posted by DAHenkel

Moshah, what you have is a badik most likely from Terengganu or perhaps Pahang. The badik Kelantan has a slightly different form blade and scabbard as does Pattani, which is different again. However, unlike badik from Sumatra and Riau, Northeast Peninsular badik do have a bolster or "mar" in local terminology and thus resemble the Sumatran sewar.

Thanks for the clarification, Dave.

Anyway I am still puzzled, how to ID this blade as a badik, not a sewar? Certainly I am not very much exposed to Badik Terengganu and Pahang, so pardon me, I guess it is kinda basic traits that I am missing here.

Badik Pahang was even a greater mystery to me. But it is good that you've brought this out, since I can learn a lot from you, as you've been to and fro in the Kelantanese keris scene even before their kerises was well received and well known like today...

Originally Posted by DAHenkel

I have not seen material like that used for your hilt but looks like s/t marine...possibly fossilized. I will ask around next time I'm up in Kelantan.

Yup, to my knowledge it was a white akar bahar. Doesn't look antique to me, but definitely not a molar though. I'll post some close up pix later tomorrow.

[DAHenkel]

As you will know from collecting for many years, identifying a piece is an inexact science that takes in a multitude of factors including form, materials and workmanship. That said, as a very general rule the blade of the badik Terengganu is usually somewhat shorter and less downward curving than the sewar. The tip also tends to be slightly more pointed. One must be somewhat cautious though as there are many more varieties of sewar and a great deal of difference within the varieites as well, so its often not an open and shut case. In your instance though I'm pretty certain.

[Moshah]

Dear Dave,

Yes I believe by handling many blades, one can develop a better understanding through the close observation that can not be revealed via books and research alone. Of course it takes a lot of time, and a lot of luck to handle such blades, as usually collectors would not easily let people see theirs.

Terengganu styles are unique to themselves, isn't they? I was told that they would prefer a rather straight blades (as opposed to Kelantanese's curvatures). How true is this info, I don't know - open to discussion within this thread.

Here are two Terengganu examples (which I won't vouch myself but I was told it is). Note the differences in the shapes of the sampir on the first example. But was it really a bona fide Terengganu styles, then?

[Sajen]

I think this thread was very useful for all who are interested in weapons from Peninsula. So many thanks to Moshah for bringing up and Dave for the knowledge he have shared with us.

Regards,

Detlef

[Moshah]

Well, I should have thanked you and the rest of forumnites for the extended help and informative views and comments...

It is also a delight to learn from Dave as he was at the heart of Malay keris & weaponry scene for such a long time (I was even in my secondary school back then!). He mingles with the right people - old folks of the northern peninsular whose rather die with their knowledge than talk about it. I'm sure it takes a lot of efforts before they would talk more freely and willingly.

Too bad now that most of them were not with us anymore...

BTW, Detlef, posted here were the pix of the hilt - white akar bahar.

[Sajen]

Originally Posted by Moshah

BTW, Detlef, posted here were the pix of the hilt - white akar bahar.

Yes, agree, very nice handle from a rare material!