Mandau info please?

Henk · 10th August 2008, 01:12 PM

Although unusual, silver wire is ok in my opinion. As far as I can recall I do remember that I saw silver or metal wire on a mandau. A ferrule like Bill showed us is uncommon indeed, but it looks great. Another possibility is rattan wire.

Maurice · 10th August 2008, 09:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Henk

Although unusual, silver wire is ok in my opinion. As far as I can recall I do remember that I saw silver or metal wire on a mandau. A ferrule like Bill showed us is uncommon indeed, but it looks great. Another possibility is rattan wire.

Henk I agree, Silver wire is also ok in my opinion. I once had one with silver or a silver alloy braided wire on a mandauhilt. See picture attached.
I still have one with iron braided wire which I know is iron because it is very rusty. The one I had on the pic didn't show any rust at all.

Battara · 11th August 2008, 03:48 AM

Does the use of a silver ferrule, especially chased silver like Bill's signify a datu/chieftain's piece?

Dajak · 11th August 2008, 08:53 AM

Silver in mostly found in the melanau area like Bills one

The repair is better to do with old style Brass I would better leave it the way it is .

Ben

asomotif · 11th August 2008, 12:26 PM

Quote:

The brass wire is 0.5mm I will need at least 10m to twist up

I have a few shops where brass wire can be bought.
Enclosed handle was 'restored' with it.
Let me know if you need some wire, I can check for you which sizes they have.

Tim Simmons · 12th August 2008, 10:27 AM

Thanks for the help and advise every body.
The orginal brass was of two wires just simply twisted together. I have chosen silver as I believe if the orginal weapon maker had come across some silver wire in the past they would probably not shy away from using it. I have already replaced the shellac formed around the forte end of the handle. The comercial shellac I have is a brown colour which when heated I added powdered charcoal to get the usual black colour, the charcoal also makes the shellac far less brittle. I have 40' of silver wire arriving today so I will have it finished soon. I will post pictures as soon as possible. Not to worry when I have finished the silver wire will look old, and anyway repairs would have been made in the past.

10th August 2008, 01:12 PM	#1
Henk Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Netherlands Posts: 1,209	Although unusual, silver wire is ok in my opinion. As far as I can recall I do remember that I saw silver or metal wire on a mandau. A ferrule like Bill showed us is uncommon indeed, but it looks great. Another possibility is rattan wire.

11th August 2008, 03:48 AM	#3
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,320	Does the use of a silver ferrule, especially chased silver like Bill's signify a datu/chieftain's piece?

11th August 2008, 08:53 AM	#4
Dajak Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 951	Silver in mostly found in the melanau area like Bills one The repair is better to do with old style Brass I would better leave it the way it is . Ben

12th August 2008, 10:27 AM	#6
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,889	Thanks for the help and advise every body. The orginal brass was of two wires just simply twisted together. I have chosen silver as I believe if the orginal weapon maker had come across some silver wire in the past they would probably not shy away from using it. I have already replaced the shellac formed around the forte end of the handle. The comercial shellac I have is a brown colour which when heated I added powdered charcoal to get the usual black colour, the charcoal also makes the shellac far less brittle. I have 40' of silver wire arriving today so I will have it finished soon. I will post pictures as soon as possible. Not to worry when I have finished the silver wire will look old, and anyway repairs would have been made in the past.