Javanese Fighting Short Sword ?

David · 13th May 2016, 09:13 PM

It looks more like a machete/jungle knife to me, though i don't often see them with fullers. Still, this looks more like a tool than a weapon to me. It isn't in the form of any traditional Javanese weapon i am aware of and the design of the blade seems more European influenced than local to that area.

kronckew · 13th May 2016, 09:21 PM

they are of course, general purpose tools, hunting, food prep, chopping wood, or people as needed. clipped points and fullers are more 'european' but also more likely found on large knives intended to have a fighting capability. possibly made for a european resident's desires rather than a traditional local.

CharlesS · 13th May 2016, 09:37 PM

While all blades can be potentially used as weapons, the length and style described/shown in the original pic suggests to me more of a golok or "tool" type blade, thus agreeing with David. It is almost certainly dates to the last half of the 20th century.

Sajen · 14th May 2016, 09:42 AM

Agree with Charles and David, a Javanese golok from the second half of the 20th century.

Regards,
Detlef

Miguel · 16th May 2016, 08:12 PM

Thanks very much for your comments they are greatly appreciated and from them the consensus would appear to be that my fighting short sword is a general tool called a Golok which to me makes more sense. Thanks again for the input.
Regards
Miguel

David R · 16th May 2016, 10:48 PM

Finally found a photo of mine so you can compare. I have to say that yours is a handsome example of the type.

Ibrahiim al Balooshi · 18th May 2016, 07:03 AM

Javanese mercenaries went in to bat dressed like this...

See spear weilding soldier with sword at waist below who appears to be Javanese ...Quote."One of seven paintings by William Daniell, originally painted for Thomas Stamford Raffles, History of Java. Similar images are in the 1817 edition of the book". Unquote.

They were also often used as mercenaries in Sri Lanka..Interestingly working for example for the Dutch then agreeing to work for the English when they assumed control... as did Swiss and French mercenaries.
Regards,
Ibrahiim al Balooshi.

Miguel · 21st May 2016, 03:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by David R

Finally found a photo of mine so you can compare. I have to say that yours is a handsome example of the type.

Hi David,

Sorry for the delay in reply and thanks for sharing your photo. our Golok looks older and more like a golok than mine has it has a more traditional shaped blade, where as mine has the blade shape of a Java fighting sword with fullers and clipped point only much shorter.
Regards
Miguel

16th May 2016, 10:48 PM	#6
David R Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Posts: 1,120	Finally found a photo of mine so you can compare. I have to say that yours is a handsome example of the type. Attached Images

18th May 2016, 07:03 AM	#7
Ibrahiim al Balooshi Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Buraimi Oman, on the border with the UAE Posts: 4,408	Javanese mercenaries went in to bat dressed like this... See spear weilding soldier with sword at waist below who appears to be Javanese ...Quote."One of seven paintings by William Daniell, originally painted for Thomas Stamford Raffles, History of Java. Similar images are in the 1817 edition of the book". Unquote. They were also often used as mercenaries in Sri Lanka..Interestingly working for example for the Dutch then agreeing to work for the English when they assumed control... as did Swiss and French mercenaries. Regards, Ibrahiim al Balooshi. Attached Images Last edited by Ibrahiim al Balooshi; 18th May 2016 at 07:30 AM.

13th May 2016, 09:13 PM	#1
David Keris forum moderator Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Nova Scotia Posts: 7,218	It looks more like a machete/jungle knife to me, though i don't often see them with fullers. Still, this looks more like a tool than a weapon to me. It isn't in the form of any traditional Javanese weapon i am aware of and the design of the blade seems more European influenced than local to that area.

13th May 2016, 09:21 PM	#2
kronckew Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Room 101, Glos. UK Posts: 4,224	they are of course, general purpose tools, hunting, food prep, chopping wood, or people as needed. clipped points and fullers are more 'european' but also more likely found on large knives intended to have a fighting capability. possibly made for a european resident's desires rather than a traditional local.

13th May 2016, 09:37 PM	#3
CharlesS Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Greenville, NC Posts: 1,854	While all blades can be potentially used as weapons, the length and style described/shown in the original pic suggests to me more of a *golok* or "tool" type blade, thus agreeing with David. It is almost certainly dates to the last half of the 20th century.

14th May 2016, 09:42 AM	#4
Sajen Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Germany, Dortmund Posts: 9,212	Agree with Charles and David, a Javanese golok from the second half of the 20th century. Regards, Detlef

16th May 2016, 08:12 PM	#5
Miguel Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Posts: 584	Thanks very much for your comments they are greatly appreciated and from them the consensus would appear to be that my fighting short sword is a general tool called a Golok which to me makes more sense. Thanks again for the input. Regards Miguel