EBay pick-up

[Naga Sasra]

You are very welcome David.
I do concur with the East Jawa/Madura origin at this time, this may however change once the blade is restored. As for the recycled wrangka I would not worry about that, I have several wrangka that has been fitted to a different blade over time, not a problem...

[David]

Originally Posted by Naga Sasra

As for the recycled wrangka I would not worry about that, I have several wrangka that has been fitted to a different blade over time, not a problem...

Oh, i wasn't worried about that at all. Only mentioned it to point out that there was always a chance that the blade and the dress could have different points of origin. Actually i am quite intrigued when i see old sheaths like this refitted in this manner. I presume it means that the owner either couldn't afford new dress and/or they saw value in the old dress they refitted due to either the craftsmanship or materials (in this case perhaps the wood) used.

[A. G. Maisey]

Very, very good David.

Very good indeed.

On the fill of the mouth in a wrongko.

There are a number of reasons for this:-

1) a wrongko can be original, but worn, and no longer provides a good fit or protection for the blade, so the over-size mouth is filled, usually by an inlay of wood, sometimes done in a contrasting colour.

2) a wrongko might be of particularly good wood, and is intentionally used instead of new wood; the thought behind this is a little bit like marrying a woman who is of exceptional quality, rather than a virgin:- a virgin has her own virtue, but a beautiful or intelligent woman with several previous husbands can more than compensate for the limited virtues of a virgin.

3) economy:- re-use of old can be a lot more economical than creation of new.

In view of the quality of the wood in this wrongko I'm inclined to think that reason #2 is the applicable one.

In accordance with what I believe to be true, this keris is East Jawa, meaning that it could be found in Madura, as Madura is a part of East Jawa, but it is not necessarily identifiable as of specifically Madura origin.

[David]

Originally Posted by A. G. Maisey

Very, very good David.

Very good indeed.

On the fill of the mouth in a wrongko.

There are a number of reasons for this:-

1) a wrongko can be original, but worn, and no longer provides a good fit or protection for the blade, so the over-size mouth is filled, usually by an inlay of wood, sometimes done in a contrasting colour.

2) a wrongko might be of particularly good wood, and is intentionally used instead of new wood; the thought behind this is a little bit like marrying a woman who is of exceptional quality, rather than a virgin:- a virgin has her own virtue, but a beautiful or intelligent woman with several previous husbands can more than compensate for the limited virtues of a virgin.

3) economy:- re-use of old can be a lot more economical than creation of new.

In view of the quality of the wood in this wrongko I'm inclined to think that reason #2 is the applicable one.

In accordance with what I believe to be true, this keris is East Jawa, meaning that it could be found in Madura, as Madura is a part of East Jawa, but it is not necessarily identifiable as of specifically Madura origin.

Thanks Alan. Yes, i am also inclined towards your 2nd explanation. It seems to me that the fitted piece of wood is a bit too large to account for adjustments for wear and tear on an original wrongko. And the wood is nice...

[A. G. Maisey]

David, has the fill been done with wood or with shellac?

In the photo it looks like shellac.

[David]

Actually not in my hands yet Alan. I will let you all know next week when i get back into town.

[A. G. Maisey]

OK David, thanks.