Interesting Sundang

[Ian]

drac2K:

Nice Maguindanao kris. Like Battara, I would place this one later in the 20th C. for several reasons: the sharply pointed, spear tip to the blade; the absence of a separate gangya (an inscribed line has replaced where it would normally be separated); and the general appearance of the sword which looks in mint condition with very crisp incised decorations and pristine hilt. My guess would be closer to mid-20th C., although the scabbard may be a little older.

Ian

[Battara]

Ian do you think this ganga is not separate? I thought it was. If not, then I would agree that it is mid-20c.

[drac2k]

Thanks Gentlemen.I am pretty sure that the gangya is separate(maybe wishful thinking).I'll try to get better pictures.I agree that there once was a cap on the end of the pommel.

[Sajen]

Would agree with Jose, turn of the centuries, early 20th century. I agree again, the gangya is seperate. Nice piece! Sadly you don't etch.

Regards,
Detlef

[drac2k]

Thanks Detlef , any clue why they filled the spaces in the guard ?

[Battara]

Originally Posted by drac2k

Thanks Detlef , any clue why they filled the spaces in the guard ?

Could be talismanic, but just a guess........

[Ian]

Hi Jose:

Only way to know for sure is to take the hilt off and see if the gangya is separate. Right now I don't see any clear evidence of separation--the visible line is very straight and shows no edge corrosion or oxidation to suggest a point of separation that has been present for a hundred years or so. I've tried to take similar looking ones apart before, only to discover the gangya was not separate.

If this is a hundred year old sword, it is in a remarkable state of preservation.

Ian.

[Sajen]

Originally Posted by drac2k

Thanks Detlef , any clue why they filled the spaces in the guard ?

Agree with Jose, could be talismanic but who knows exactly!

[drac2k]

Are there any other examples or was this a "one of," that somebody thought was a good idea?