Neglected antique kris restored

[Ian]

Hi h0ll0wman,


Nice kris. I think the blade is probably Sulu in manufacture, and likely from the late 19th-early 20th C. The longitudinal insert is not twist core but has nice laminations. The hilt is atypical and similar to Visayan-influenced styles I have seen previously from Moro pieces originating in Zamboanga. The wrap-around metal (is it aluminum?) on the pommel is likely held in place with small nails and from that area I believe. The scabbard is of a Mindanao style also. Your etch looks like ferric chloride--is that what you used?

[h0ll0wman]

Originally Posted by Ian

Hi h0ll0wman,


Nice kris. I think the blade is probably Sulu in manufacture, and likely from the late 19th-early 20th C. The longitudinal insert is not twist core but has nice laminations. The hilt is atypical and similar to Visayan-influenced styles I have seen previously from Moro pieces originating in Zamboanga. The wrap-around metal (is it aluminum?) on the pommel is likely held in place with small nails and from that area I believe. The scabbard is of a Mindanao style also. Your etch looks like ferric chloride--is that what you used?

Thank you for the information Ian. I thought it was twist core at first, but still the lamination pattern is beautiful. I am not sure if this is the original hilt and I am thinking of having it replaced. The metal on the scabbard feels and looks like aluminum. Yes you are correct that I used ferric chloride for etching.

[Battara]

The scabbard and blade looks Maguindanao to me, and maybe the hilt as well. But the wrap was done later and the aluminum mounts might have replaced silver mounts.

[h0ll0wman]

Originally Posted by Battara

The scabbard and blade looks Maguindanao to me, and maybe the hilt as well. But the wrap was done later and the aluminum mounts might have replaced silver mounts.

Thank you for this sir. I think I shall retain the hilt and have it wrapped in silver.

[mross]

That looks really nice.