Happy Goloky

[Jim McDougall]

What would the TST (?) mark stamped in the blade on Fergusons example signify? also there is a small mark on the lower hilt near the blade that looks like a calligraphic 'e'.....is that an initial?

[Robert]

I'm not sure what the markings mean for sure. The blade on mine has markings too but I can't get a good picture of them. I always figured that they might be stampings from leaf spring manufactures and that is what the blades were made from around WWII. Here are a few pics of the one I have to add to the collection of this style hilt. The only difference is mine has eyes of bone and horn and a brass ring in the tigers mouth. I just noticed that the hilt on mine is pined in place where the others don't seem to be.

[kronckew]

Originally Posted by Jim McDougall

What would the TST (?) mark stamped in the blade on Fergusons example signify? also there is a small mark on the lower hilt near the blade that looks like a calligraphic 'e'.....is that an initial?

the way it's written it looks like the numeral '3'

of similar shape:
the arabic letter 'ayn is the mirror image, as is the arabian numeral for 4.

[sipakatuo]

Originally Posted by Jim McDougall

What would the TST (?) mark stamped in the blade on Fergusons example signify? also there is a small mark on the lower hilt near the blade that looks like a calligraphic 'e'.....is that an initial?

TBT means Tjibatu. Tjibatu is a small village in Sukabumi, West Java, Indonesia that is very well known in producing Golok since long time ago. It is quite common to see a golok that has a TBT stamped on it. Haji As'ari is one pande golok who is still existing till today.

Perajin Golok Pusaka Cibatu- Sukabumi
Haji Aas As'ari
Jl. Siliwangi III Gr. H Syarifudin No.313
RT 03/01 Cibatu-Cisaat, Sukabumi
Telp: (0266) 217791