Moro Kris: what did I buy?

[David]

Originally Posted by ariel

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.

From what i can see the line on yours is NOT straight, but takes a 45 degree angle in the tail. This would place it in the 19th to 20th C category based on this particular indicator. This is certainly far too recent to be any kind of transition piece. Frankly i am not so sure this is the best rule of thumb even with Moro blades, but i think it applies even less with a non-Moro keris such as this one.

Originally Posted by ariel

Does the same rule apply to non-Moro swords?

Not necessarily.

Originally Posted by ariel

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.

Why won't x-ray help? And how is the hilt attached? Often heating the blade will loosen a hilt without damage.
For me what really speaks to this not being Moro is the manner in which the sekar kacang or "elephant trunk" is formed. The whole gandik area of this sword just does not have the care and detail that i expect to see in a Moro sword, even one of lesser quality. All i can suggest to you Ariel is that you look at a whole lot of photos of kris identified as Moro and then look at this one. The cross-section looks wrong as well, though that might just be the photos. But it reminds me of the way some Bugis keris are formed with a high middle section that falls away quickly at the edges. This might be of Indonesian origin or it might be Lumad or some other group trying to copy a Moro style kris, but IMHO it is not Moro.
You should take some detailed photos of your own to give us a better look.