Opinions: large Kris w/ intricate inlay

David · 19th March 2026, 07:29 PM

Hi (Another) Rick and welcome to the forum. Please note that i changed the spelling in your title from "keris" to "kris" to avoid confusion amongst our members. In at least this corner of the collecting universe we have adopted the spelling "kris" for the slashing blades that come from the Moro in Philippines. There is a Malay version of this style of sword, but that is generally referred to as a "sundang". Yours seems to clearly be of the Moro variety.
Regarding the gangya, i can see why some have called it one piece with the blade while others think it has a separate gangya. My theory is that it was born separate, but appears to have been welded later. It looks to me like a repair was done at some time. The tang obviously broke off at the end. It is possible it also broke where it meets the blade as well. To me it looks like it does indeed pass through the gangya, but it has also been welded into place. Welding the gangya to the blale might also make sense in this kind of repair in order to hold the who thing together. Of course if i were holding the kris i might have a different opinion about it.
I'd say it in early 20th century and was once a nice example of it's kind. If you have the skills it would be worth restoring . If it were mine i would either make or obtain a hilt for it at the very least. There are some people on this forum who might be able to help or advice you if you choose to restore the silver inlay.

19th March 2026, 07:29 PM	#14
David Keris forum moderator Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Nova Scotia Posts: 7,282	Hi (Another) Rick and welcome to the forum. Please note that i changed the spelling in your title from "keris" to "kris" to avoid confusion amongst our members. In at least this corner of the collecting universe we have adopted the spelling "kris" for the slashing blades that come from the Moro in Philippines. There is a Malay version of this style of sword, but that is generally referred to as a "sundang". Yours seems to clearly be of the Moro variety. Regarding the gangya, i can see why some have called it one piece with the blade while others think it has a separate gangya. My theory is that it was born separate, but appears to have been welded later. It looks to me like a repair was done at some time. The tang obviously broke off at the end. It is possible it also broke where it meets the blade as well. To me it looks like it does indeed pass through the gangya, but it has also been welded into place. Welding the gangya to the blale might also make sense in this kind of repair in order to hold the who thing together. Of course if i were holding the kris i might have a different opinion about it. I'd say it in early 20th century and was once a nice example of it's kind. If you have the skills it would be worth restoring . If it were mine i would either make or obtain a hilt for it at the very least. There are some people on this forum who might be able to help or advice you if you choose to restore the silver inlay.