A northern Malay pedang - Pattani?

[kai]

Hello Detlef,

Thanks for your comments and keeping the ball rolling!

the Malay origin seems to be a very good possibility also when the Makara from the Malay badek look slightly different

Some details are quite similar, some others are missing though, indeed.

Note that the pommel size is different; utilizing horn also necessitates some changes at the mouth/etc. due to the hollow core as does functionality as a sword hilt.

Swords with these naturalistic makara pommel seem to be exceedingly rare and I've yet to find any well-provenanced examples. Given the differences between mine and Charles' pieces (and more differences compared to northern Malayan badek), I agree that we need to keep an open mind and more data.

Sadly the handle missing it's upper handle sleeve.

That's quite possible! I need to examine it personally to check for any hints...

The tassel seems to have some age - I'd guess that the current configuration has been in use for a while (post-WW2?).

Regards,
Kai