Help with (Moro Kris?)

Gavin Nugent · 1st December 2010, 02:51 AM

Hi Yanni,

As you can see there are many opinions on directions one can go, the choice is always yours and thus far the job you have done is a great job getting it to the condition that you have...
My thoughts are in line with others in being that the restoration on this should be limited. My thoughts are as follows;

1/Clean properly the inside of the scabbard housing
2/Rebind the scabbard pieces in rattan (There has been a good discussion about this recently and a big thanks to Steve for his photography binding steps in an old post being bought back to life). Oil the scabbard too, again, many choices of oil here.
3/The patterns in the steel can be bought out with chemicals or with the fine cleanings you are giving it, though chemicals are instant and more dramatic but neutralise neutralise neutralise.
4/The inlay, your call, but be sure to ensure all cut outs in the blade are perfectly cleaned if this is to be done. I wouldn't be too worried about any colour differences, a very light 0000 steel wool application will have it all shining should you venture down this road.
5/Leave the binding on the hilt as it is, it is ethnographically important.
6/Right or wrong I'd run with an small ivory pommel and have it intensely aged.

My opinion in most restorations bar a few is that the road with least resistance is always of preference and I wouldn't be too bothered with doing points 3 or 4 unless you really want to as a personal choice.
I currently have a pair of 18th century Jian with a master restorer. As the blades need straightening and a proper polish I am going to loose some inlay in a small rusted area that I want polished out. This I am asking to be re-chiseled and the gold replaced. An expensive exercise for me but my choice...just wishing to indicate anything can be done should you wish.
Regardless, enjoy the piece you have, it is nice even in its current condition.

Gav

Battara · 1st December 2010, 04:18 AM

I agree with Gav when it comes to the silver inlay. The patina differences are slight in my experience, regardless if it were pure silver or sterling. Both are available and was exists can be tested.

Yanni · 2nd December 2010, 12:42 AM

Dear Forum Members,

Thank you all for your time and input.
It is very helpful.
I think I will repair the silver inlay on this piece.
I was reluctant in replacing the hilt because as some of you said it would take away from its history and character.

I have a jeweler friend that I can pump for knowledge and information on the metal inlay technique.
The cane wrap.... well I now wish that I paid more attention on my weaving and knitting classes way back when I was in kindergarten.
I have to decide on what weaving style I would like to use from the pics in this forum and then try to figure out how they did it.

I also would like to put a pommel to replace the one that is lost, however, I have no idea where to get one or at least obtain the native raw material to try and carve one out. Be it ivory or hard wood. (Bahi, Saru, Ebony)
It is not going to be perfect, but it should fit in with the whole "field expedient repair" theme of the hilt.

Again, any information on where I may be able to purchase the needed material will be greatly appreciated.

Thank you much,

Yanni

1st December 2010, 02:51 AM	#1
Gavin Nugent Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 2,818	We all have opinions Hi Yanni, As you can see there are many opinions on directions one can go, the choice is always yours and thus far the job you have done is a great job getting it to the condition that you have... My thoughts are in line with others in being that the restoration on this should be limited. My thoughts are as follows; 1/Clean properly the inside of the scabbard housing 2/Rebind the scabbard pieces in rattan (There has been a good discussion about this recently and a big thanks to Steve for his photography binding steps in an old post being bought back to life). Oil the scabbard too, again, many choices of oil here. 3/The patterns in the steel can be bought out with chemicals or with the fine cleanings you are giving it, though chemicals are instant and more dramatic but neutralise neutralise neutralise. 4/The inlay, your call, but be sure to ensure all cut outs in the blade are perfectly cleaned if this is to be done. I wouldn't be too worried about any colour differences, a very light 0000 steel wool application will have it all shining should you venture down this road. 5/Leave the binding on the hilt as it is, it is ethnographically important. 6/Right or wrong I'd run with an small ivory pommel and have it intensely aged. My opinion in most restorations bar a few is that the road with least resistance is always of preference and I wouldn't be too bothered with doing points 3 or 4 unless you really want to as a personal choice. I currently have a pair of 18th century Jian with a master restorer. As the blades need straightening and a proper polish I am going to loose some inlay in a small rusted area that I want polished out. This I am asking to be re-chiseled and the gold replaced. An expensive exercise for me but my choice...just wishing to indicate anything can be done should you wish. Regardless, enjoy the piece you have, it is nice even in its current condition. Gav Last edited by freebooter; 1st December 2010 at 04:26 AM. Reason: spelling

1st December 2010, 04:18 AM	#2
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,280	I agree with Gav when it comes to the silver inlay. The patina differences are slight in my experience, regardless if it were pure silver or sterling. Both are available and was exists can be tested.

2nd December 2010, 12:42 AM	#3
Yanni Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Posts: 4	Dear Forum Members, Thank you all for your time and input. It is very helpful. I think I will repair the silver inlay on this piece. I was reluctant in replacing the hilt because as some of you said it would take away from its history and character. I have a jeweler friend that I can pump for knowledge and information on the metal inlay technique. The cane wrap.... well I now wish that I paid more attention on my weaving and knitting classes way back when I was in kindergarten. I have to decide on what weaving style I would like to use from the pics in this forum and then try to figure out how they did it. I also would like to put a pommel to replace the one that is lost, however, I have no idea where to get one or at least obtain the native raw material to try and carve one out. Be it ivory or hard wood. (Bahi, Saru, Ebony) It is not going to be perfect, but it should fit in with the whole "field expedient repair" theme of the hilt. Again, any information on where I may be able to purchase the needed material will be greatly appreciated. Thank you much, Yanni