Moro Kris: what did I buy?

ariel · 11th November 2008, 04:10 AM

Thanks for the reply, but I want to learn more.
The handle is a replacement, no doubt, so it is not an evidence.
I always thought that the gangya/blade joint was the most important indicator of the age. The really old ones ( 18th cen) had almost straight line, relatively old ones ( late 19th to mid 20th) were noticeably angled, and new models had a one-piece construction ( with or without a scratched imitation of the joint). I also remember a discussion here that the very old ones might have had a one-piece construction, too. Based on that, mine must be old, if it is a Moro.
Does the same rule apply to non-Moro swords?
Are there any other good indicators of age?
Could you spell for me what exact features would differentiate a large/heavy Indonesian kris from a light and shortish Moro one? I cannot see the tang and even x-ray is not going to help here. I do not wish to break the handle.
Don't get me wrong: I am not disputing your conclusion, I just want to learn.

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11th November 2008, 04:10 AM	#10
ariel Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Ann Arbor, MI Posts: 5,503	Thanks for the reply, but I want to learn more. The handle is a replacement, no doubt, so it is not an evidence. I always thought that the gangya/blade joint was the most important indicator of the age. The really old ones ( 18th cen) had almost straight line, relatively old ones ( late 19th to mid 20th) were noticeably angled, and new models had a one-piece construction ( with or without a scratched imitation of the joint). I also remember a discussion here that the very old ones might have had a one-piece construction, too. Based on that, mine must be old, if it is a Moro. Does the same rule apply to non-Moro swords? Are there any other good indicators of age? Could you spell for me what exact features would differentiate a large/heavy Indonesian kris from a light and shortish Moro one? I cannot see the tang and even x-ray is not going to help here. I do not wish to break the handle. Don't get me wrong: I am not disputing your conclusion, I just want to learn.