First new acquisition

kai · 28th January 2024, 05:10 PM

Hello Thomas,

I'll bite. Yes, definitely an older blade: It's features are quite worn and most of the pamor is eroded; only the gonjo gives hints on what the blade might have originally looked like. These relic blades are not restorable to their former glory - what approach you take in preserving or even cleaning & re-staining is up to you. Fit to the scabbard is not convincing - this might be from fairly recent match-making.

Fittings are of good quality (you're lucky that the damage to the cross-piece is on the backside - this could be patched with epoxy). These Madura Donoriko hilts are usually carved from elephant ivory, indeed.

Due to condition issues, it will be difficult to narrow down the origin of the blade. I think it is consistent with Madura style and am looking forward to seeing comments by other forumites!

Regards,
Kai

28th January 2024, 05:10 PM	#2
kai Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 3,255	Hello Thomas, I'll bite. Yes, definitely an older blade: It's features are quite worn and most of the pamor is eroded; only the gonjo gives hints on what the blade might have originally looked like. These relic blades are not restorable to their former glory - what approach you take in preserving or even cleaning & re-staining is up to you. Fit to the scabbard is not convincing - this might be from fairly recent match-making. Fittings are of good quality (you're lucky that the damage to the cross-piece is on the backside - this could be patched with epoxy). These Madura Donoriko hilts are usually carved from elephant ivory, indeed. Due to condition issues, it will be difficult to narrow down the origin of the blade. I think it is consistent with Madura style and am looking forward to seeing comments by other forumites! Regards, Kai