Bali Ivory Keris (eBay)

Gustav · 7th February 2011, 10:01 PM

A nice blade and beautiful sheath. Hilt (which probably caused many sighs and curses regarding its existence and sellers shipment terms)- so so. Yet I wonder also about this price.

A. G. Maisey · 7th February 2011, 10:22 PM

This is a decent thing.

I think there is some sort of prohibition on discussion of prices here, so I'm half expecting to get this post wiped, along with a rap over the knuckles, however, since the $$$$ value seems to be of such interest, and since I returned only a few days ago from Jawa-Bali, and since on Thursday of last week I was able to bring my knowledge of on-the-ground Bali prices up to date, here is my comment:-

this keris was given away

what I saw last Thursday inclines me to believe that current local buyers in Bali would expect to pay two to three times the amount that this keris realised

I guess this demonstrates that it is still possible to win on ebay, if you are prepared to gamble.

David · 8th February 2011, 12:29 AM

No knuckle rap for now, as long as we don't get too specific.

Willem, the inlaid strip of timoho wood is a fairly common practice on Bali sheaths. Since the wood is rare this method gives a nice impression without needing to use too much of it.

Battara · 8th February 2011, 01:09 AM

What about the carving - modern? And the selut? My other question is the gold on the top?

David · 8th February 2011, 02:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Battara

What about the carving - modern? And the selut? My other question is the gold on the top?

I don't see a selut here. I see what looks like an ivory uwer. I couldn't speak to the age of the hilt. It has patina and color but that's easy to fake. The carving isn't brilliant, but it's OK. It has been damaged and repaired, but that is no proof of age. But frankly i don't have a problem if it is more recent. That is the nature of keris ensembles. The parts get replaced over the years.
The blade look to be old and good to my eyes with the remains of an original Bali stain. What about the gold José? The foil looks to be real gold. I also couldn't speak to the era when it was added, but to my eyes it is tasteful.

A. G. Maisey · 8th February 2011, 02:04 AM

Everything I can see here is in perfect accord with the advertised period.

I'm not saying by this that I believe everything that has been written, but it is old, and nothing is out of place, nor striking a discordant note.

Battara · 8th February 2011, 06:44 AM

Very helpful thank you folks.

Jean · 8th February 2011, 09:44 AM

Nice piece indeed and it would have fetched about 50% more in Europe. However and from the pictures I would not discard the possibility that the dark stains on the cross-piece and the gandar are actually dyed and not original.

Best regards

7th February 2011, 10:01 PM	#1
Gustav Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 1,282	A nice blade and beautiful sheath. Hilt (which probably caused many sighs and curses regarding its existence and sellers shipment terms)- so so. Yet I wonder also about this price.

7th February 2011, 10:22 PM	#2
A. G. Maisey Member Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 7,020	This is a decent thing. I think there is some sort of prohibition on discussion of prices here, so I'm half expecting to get this post wiped, along with a rap over the knuckles, however, since the $$$$ value seems to be of such interest, and since I returned only a few days ago from Jawa-Bali, and since on Thursday of last week I was able to bring my knowledge of on-the-ground Bali prices up to date, here is my comment:- this keris was given away what I saw last Thursday inclines me to believe that current local buyers in Bali would expect to pay two to three times the amount that this keris realised I guess this demonstrates that it is still possible to win on ebay, if you are prepared to gamble.

8th February 2011, 12:29 AM	#3
David Keris forum moderator Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Nova Scotia Posts: 7,220	No knuckle rap for now, as long as we don't get too specific. Willem, the inlaid strip of timoho wood is a fairly common practice on Bali sheaths. Since the wood is rare this method gives a nice impression without needing to use too much of it.

8th February 2011, 01:09 AM	#4
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,289	What about the carving - modern? And the selut? My other question is the gold on the top?

8th February 2011, 02:04 AM	#6
A. G. Maisey Member Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 7,020	Everything I can see here is in perfect accord with the advertised period. I'm not saying by this that I believe everything that has been written, but it is old, and nothing is out of place, nor striking a discordant note.

8th February 2011, 06:44 AM	#7
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,289	Very helpful thank you folks.

8th February 2011, 09:44 AM	#8
Jean Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 1,740	Nice piece indeed and it would have fetched about 50% more in Europe. However and from the pictures I would not discard the possibility that the dark stains on the cross-piece and the gandar are actually dyed and not original. Best regards