Luzon or Bandung?

Peter Andeweg · 22nd January 2022, 05:09 PM

Dear members, a while ago I acquired an unusual sword which was attributed to the Philippines, but it had me puzzled until today. The general outlines are often seen on the West Javanese 'Gobang Bandung' from the Preanger region, yet the aesthetic details like the silver decoration on the scabbard and typical silver sheets on the hilt points me to the Luzon area.

I wonder what your opinions are on this matter.

Thanks in advance!

Ian · 22nd January 2022, 06:09 PM

Hello Peter,

I think the style is much more likely Javanese than Filipino. The blade appears to have a pattern that could benefit from etching. Very nice engraving on the scabbard.

David · 22nd January 2022, 06:32 PM

I agree with Ian. The motifs on this sheath look Javanese to me, not Luzon or any other culture from the Philippines and the form of this clearly looks like a West Javanese Gobang Bandung to me.

CharlesS · 22nd January 2022, 07:06 PM

I agree with both of the above. I would call it a Javanese gobang Bandung, from top to bottom, and a VERY nice one. Did you etch the blade, Peter?

Peter Andeweg · 22nd January 2022, 07:56 PM

Thank you for your comments gentlemen, I was leaning towards Gobang Bandung, but this piece is not really a textbook example.
I did a light etch on the blade to reveal the pamoresque pattern.

CharlesS · 22nd January 2022, 08:17 PM

Peter, I can certainly see why this one would give you pause to rethink it, but I believe we can look at it safely as a gobang variant.

kai · 22nd January 2022, 08:23 PM

I agree that this sword is from western Java; not a traditional highland design though. For example, the chains and the belt hook are a colonial affectation and the silverwork seems to be from the coast.

Regards,
Kai

22nd January 2022, 05:09 PM	#1
Peter Andeweg Member Join Date: Feb 2020 Location: Vlissingen, Netherlands Posts: 71	Luzon or Bandung? Dear members, a while ago I acquired an unusual sword which was attributed to the Philippines, but it had me puzzled until today. The general outlines are often seen on the West Javanese 'Gobang Bandung' from the Preanger region, yet the aesthetic details like the silver decoration on the scabbard and typical silver sheets on the hilt points me to the Luzon area. I wonder what your opinions are on this matter. Thanks in advance! Attached Images

22nd January 2022, 06:09 PM	#2
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,028	Hello Peter, I think the style is much more likely Javanese than Filipino. The blade appears to have a pattern that could benefit from etching. Very nice engraving on the scabbard.

22nd January 2022, 06:32 PM	#3
David Keris forum moderator Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Nova Scotia Posts: 7,024	I agree with Ian. The motifs on this sheath look Javanese to me, not Luzon or any other culture from the Philippines and the form of this clearly looks like a West Javanese Gobang Bandung to me.

22nd January 2022, 07:06 PM	#4
CharlesS Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Greenville, NC Posts: 1,855	I agree with both of the above. I would call it a Javanese gobang Bandung, from top to bottom, and a VERY nice one. Did you etch the blade, Peter?

22nd January 2022, 07:56 PM	#5
Peter Andeweg Member Join Date: Feb 2020 Location: Vlissingen, Netherlands Posts: 71	Thank you for your comments gentlemen, I was leaning towards Gobang Bandung, but this piece is not really a textbook example. I did a light etch on the blade to reveal the pamoresque pattern.

22nd January 2022, 08:17 PM	#6
CharlesS Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Greenville, NC Posts: 1,855	Peter, I can certainly see why this one would give you pause to rethink it, but I believe we can look at it safely as a gobang variant.

22nd January 2022, 08:23 PM	#7
kai Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 3,215	I agree that this sword is from western Java; not a traditional highland design though. For example, the chains and the belt hook are a colonial affectation and the silverwork seems to be from the coast. Regards, Kai