Rencong Triple Gold Crown and Black Coral

[kai]

Congrats, Jose!

Not a very common type with the akah bahar and golden crowns.

Yup, neat example.

The ivory part of the handle, could it be that there has been a golden sleeve on that end ?

While there seems to be an endless variety of materials utilized for these status pieces, I believe the ivory is a later restoration: The carving/finish of the ivory part seems to be not on par with the rest of the hilt; also I can see no reason to utilize ivory when covering the tip with gold and, more importantly, there is no topographic trace that such a gold sleeve was ever fitted to the hilt. Akar bahar hilts are often crafted from 2 sections and the tip may have got lost/damaged beyond repair.

The handle looks polished, probably done when they fixed the ivory.

Looks ok to me (certainly buffed up a bit for sale).

Regards,
Kai

[kai]

more importantly, there is no topographic trace that such a gold sleeve was ever fitted to the hilt.

Here's an example of a status rencong stripped of triple gold crowns as well as golden "tail" to show the hints on the hilt surface.

Erik may be tempted to post more pics of his rencong...
(Left one on the first pic shown in this thread.)

Regards,
Kai

[Battara]

Good point Kai. I see what you mean. However I don't think I have the skills nor the gold to place upon the upturned end (not that you suggested it...). Thanks for the picture.