Minangkabau(?) keris

[Marcokeris]

nice keris .... i post another elephant molar hilt

[Gustav]

Yes, a Minang Keris. Greneng and whole blade base is typically Minang.

Hilt doesn't look so bad. The light colour is a good sign, because the newer ones are almost always chemically treated to enhance the colours.

Would let it as it is, except the blade rust. It is a honest, good specimen of its kind. Nice to have such more elaborated crosspiece of sheath.

Buntut (the end peace of sheath stem) being made from different material (I mean also metal of different colours as in this case) is not unusual with this type, actually it is quite often seen, also Pendokok corresponding with Buntut.

It is a pure speculation, yet I suppose the sleeve that once covered the back of Gonjo was the same colour as Pendokok. Never have seen an old silver one.

[Sajen]

Originally Posted by Gustav

Yes, a Minang Keris. Greneng and whole blade base is typically Minang.

Hilt doesn't look so bad. The light colour is a good sign, because the newer ones are almost always chemically treated to enhance the colours.

Would let it as it is, except the blade rust. It is a honest, good specimen of its kind. Nice to have such more elaborated crosspiece of sheath.

Buntut (the end peace of sheath stem) being made from different material (I mean also metal of different colours as in this case) is not unusual with this type, actually it is quite often seen, also Pendokok corresponding with Buntut.

It is a pure speculation, yet I suppose the sleeve that once covered the back of Gonjo was the same colour as Pendokok. Never have seen an old silver one.

Agree in all points with Gustav, I really don't think that buntut and pendokok are recent additions and frankly wouldn't be very surprised when it will be gold of unknown quality, I would let test it and again frankly said I would think about to let restore the pendokok when it is indeed gold. It is maybe very thin (because expensive) gold and I think that this keris was once a dress piece. I am as well every time dubiously when I see elephant molar hilts but have to agree with Gustav by the same reasons.
And yes, please care the blade!

Regards,
Detlef

[Jean]

I agree with the opinions from the other members, but would just like to add that from the pics the pendokok and buntut look to be made from gilt silver, and the hilt has a vague cockatoo shape indeed (attributed to Jambi).
Regards

[Sajen]

Agree with Kai and Jean, this form of hilt is attributed to Jambi.

[ariel]

Here are the pics you have requested. I looked carefully at the selut and buntut: you might have been correct, it may indeed be gilt silver. Need to take them to a jeweler. There are two holes in the gonjo, one at each end and there might have been another, currently plugged in, in the middle. The big hole in the gonjo is lined up with some non-ferrous metal.

Any additional insights?

[Sajen]

Hello Ariel,

thank you for the additional pictures. I think the gonjo was once covered with a sheet from the same material as the pendokok and buntut and reveted at the holes and also at the middle hole for the tang (pesi) and bead over at the crenation visible at the sides of the cross piece (gonjo).
Since you have now dismantled all parts I would advise that you bath the blade and gonjo in lemon acid or pineapple juice (without sugar) until all rust is gone. You can find here many threads how to handle this.
And yes, let test the pendokok material, it will be either gild silver or gold. I would let restore this pendokok, you will have after this a very nice keris, it's worth the effort. Maybe a gold smith can give the gonjo also a new cover!? A very nice and good keris!

Regards,
Detlef