Dagger I.D. Please.

[Henk]

Kai,

I don't have pictures nor the permission to publish from such rencong in Dutch collection where I saw them with my own eyes.

But I found on the forum this rencong without "ears" that belonged to Dayak an is now the property of one of our respected members.
I took the liberty to use the picture from the swap forum.

[Norman McCormick]

Hello Kai,
I see what you mean about the file type marks on the blade, I don't know if it's too clear in the photographs but the edge has been honed with a stone, or something similar, as the facet that makes up the sharp edge is smoother than the rest of the blade. This indication of a different wear pattern led me to the conclusion that the blade had been sharpened a number of times. I hope this makes it clearer as to how I came to my conclusion. If I can be of any further assistance please ask.
My Regards,
Norman.
P.S. Can anybody post an example photo of the 'ears' referred to in previous posts.

[Henk]

Norman,

On your request.

[asomotif]

Dear Henk,

But I found on the forum this rencong without "ears" that belonged to Dayak an is now the property of one of our respected members.

Isn't this more of a letter opener, rather than a rencong ?
It is entirely made of silver, and the handle is too small even for a small aceh warrior.

There are various threads on this forum giving examples of old rencong.
(herte a picture of various 'ears')

This example bought by Norman shows some skill from the maker, but it lacks the elegance and form of early pre 1900 rencong.

Never the less, at a price of under one dollar I would gladly have added it to my collection

[kai]

Dear Willem,

Isn't this more of a letter opener, rather than a rencong ?
It is entirely made of silver, and the handle is too small even for a small aceh warrior.

Possibly ceremonial rather than letter opener...

However, with a blade of silver it's definitely not a traditional weapon. It also has some strange features which interfere with traditional file work as seen on weapon-grade 19th c. rencong.

Never the less, at a price of under one dollar I would gladly have added it to my collection

I agree, that's still a bargain regardless of working hypothesis!

Regards,
Kai

[kai]

Hello Norman,

I see what you mean about the file type marks on the blade, I don't know if it's too clear in the photographs but the edge has been honed with a stone, or something similar, as the facet that makes up the sharp edge is smoother than the rest of the blade. This indication of a different wear pattern led me to the conclusion that the blade had been sharpened a number of times.

To me, it seems that someone - possibly the bladesmith - took time to put a decent edge on a roughly finished blade; first doing the fullers and other blade details, followed by setting the edge, and finishing with the final polish is the standard procedure, I guess.

Regards,
Kai