Battered Datu Kris for comment - restoration tips needed

kai · 20th September 2005, 11:05 PM

left side...

kai · 20th September 2005, 11:08 PM

Left side of blade...

kai · 22nd September 2005, 12:21 AM

I have seen similar features on keris melayu - a shared (though rare) theme?

kai · 22nd September 2005, 12:30 AM

... in original condition (asang-asang already cleaned).

kai · 22nd September 2005, 12:35 AM

Asang-asang forged from a single piece of iron.

Battara · 23rd September 2005, 05:00 PM

Kai, what is really nice about this puppy is that you have the silver inlay intact.

A rare thing indeed. Regarding restoration, you may want to consider wrapping the hilt below the pommel in silver okir bands. I would take a little time to polish the silver inlay. If you want, you can email me on other matters of restoration, or if you want me to do any of it. Would take too long to exlain everything on this posting and not sure if this is the proper place to do it. You are right in that this is a datu piece.

Bill · 24th September 2005, 01:09 PM

nice old kris. the pictures make it hard to tell the real condition. even hand poishing with light abrasive compond may pull up rust deteriorated metal particles that might scratch the inlay, if your not carefull. You might try buying a soft cotton mop, put the handle in a vise, so that the strings hang freely. streak one side with a fine abasive compond and the other with final polish. Componds contain silica and should not be inhaled, wear leather gloves so you don't cut yourself. if you keep changing where you insert the sword into the mop head, you are less likely to cause scratches; the tips of the mop can be used for working certain areas. Good Luck, post some pics when you are done.

kai · 24th September 2005, 03:25 PM

Thanks, Battara!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Battara

Regarding restoration, you may want to consider wrapping the hilt below the pommel in silver okir bands.

I was also considering (partially?) wrapping with braided silver wire. What would be typical Maguindanao style for this period? Maybe members with Maguindanao kris could post pics of the hilts for comparison (I assume many fittings of old pieces in the US will be roughly from this period)? TIA!

Quote:

I would take a little time to polish the silver inlay.

Sure, I'll polish the silver after everything else is done. I want to finish the iron work first since I'm a bit weary about leaving any protective stuff on the surrounding steel which may mess with the final etching...

Thanks again for your feedback!

Regards,
Kai

20th September 2005, 11:05 PM	#1
kai Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 3,255	Gangya left side... Attached Images

20th September 2005, 11:08 PM	#2
kai Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 3,255	Left side of blade... Attached Images

22nd September 2005, 12:21 AM	#3
kai Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 3,255	markings on gangya I have seen similar features on keris melayu - a shared (though rare) theme? Attached Images

22nd September 2005, 12:30 AM	#4
kai Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 3,255	Hilt ... ... in original condition (asang-asang already cleaned). Attached Images

22nd September 2005, 12:35 AM	#5
kai Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 3,255	Asang-asang forged from a single piece of iron. Attached Images

23rd September 2005, 05:00 PM	#6
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,280	Kai, what is really nice about this puppy is that you have the silver inlay intact. A rare thing indeed. Regarding restoration, you may want to consider wrapping the hilt below the pommel in silver okir bands. I would take a little time to polish the silver inlay. If you want, you can email me on other matters of restoration, or if you want me to do any of it. Would take too long to exlain everything on this posting and not sure if this is the proper place to do it. You are right in that this is a datu piece.

24th September 2005, 01:09 PM	#7
Bill Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Chicago area Posts: 327	nice old kris. the pictures make it hard to tell the real condition. even hand poishing with light abrasive compond may pull up rust deteriorated metal particles that might scratch the inlay, if your not carefull. You might try buying a soft cotton mop, put the handle in a vise, so that the strings hang freely. streak one side with a fine abasive compond and the other with final polish. Componds contain silica and should not be inhaled, wear leather gloves so you don't cut yourself. if you keep changing where you insert the sword into the mop head, you are less likely to cause scratches; the tips of the mop can be used for working certain areas. Good Luck, post some pics when you are done.