Balato from Nias

Ian · 31st March 2006, 09:07 AM

Despite the listing, I'm hoping this is indeed a balato (sans scabbard unfortunately).

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...tem=6615666533

Ya gotta luv the Aussies, mate.

VVV · 31st March 2006, 09:50 AM

Absolutely a Nias sword with that blade shape.
I am a bit puzzled by the shape of the hilt however.
No "free rider" and also the monster's mouth is a bit unorthodox?

Look forward to more pictures when you have recieved it.

Michael

VVV · 31st March 2006, 04:21 PM

Ian,

I looked in a couple of old reference articles and it seems as if your Balato is North Nias.
That explains the lack of "rider" and the uncommon look of your hilt.
North Nias Balatos seems also much more rare than the South Nias version.

Michael

Ian · 31st March 2006, 08:48 PM

Thank you very much Michael for your assistance. "Rare" is a nice word when it comes to swords. Too bad the scabbard seems to be lost.

Ian.

Quote:

Originally Posted by VVV

Ian,

I looked in a couple of old reference articles and it seems as if your Balato is North Nias.
That explains the lack of "rider" and the uncommon look of your hilt.
North Nias Balatos seems also much more rare than the South Nias version.

Michael

CharlesS · 1st April 2006, 12:34 AM

Ian,

Looks like you've got a real winner there, and Michael is right on the money, as usual, with its origin. Can't wait to see better pics!

Ian · 15th April 2006, 10:21 PM

Here are (finally) some better pictures. The blade has been cleaned of old oil or varnish that was applied some time ago. Otherwise it has not been touched.

OAL = 24 1/4 in.
Blade = 19 in.
Hilt = 5 1/2 in.

Ian.

31st March 2006, 09:07 AM	#1
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,033	Balato from Nias Despite the listing, I'm hoping this is indeed a balato (sans scabbard unfortunately). http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...tem=6615666533 Ya gotta luv the Aussies, mate.

15th April 2006, 10:21 PM	#6
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,033	Better pictures ... Here are (finally) some better pictures. The blade has been cleaned of old oil or varnish that was applied some time ago. Otherwise it has not been touched. OAL = 24 1/4 in. Blade = 19 in. Hilt = 5 1/2 in. Ian. Attached Images

31st March 2006, 09:50 AM	#2
VVV Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Sweden Posts: 1,637	Absolutely a Nias sword with that blade shape. I am a bit puzzled by the shape of the hilt however. No "free rider" and also the monster's mouth is a bit unorthodox? Look forward to more pictures when you have recieved it. Michael

31st March 2006, 04:21 PM	#3
VVV Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Sweden Posts: 1,637	Ian, I looked in a couple of old reference articles and it seems as if your Balato is North Nias. That explains the lack of "rider" and the uncommon look of your hilt. North Nias Balatos seems also much more rare than the South Nias version. Michael

1st April 2006, 12:34 AM	#5
CharlesS Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Greenville, NC Posts: 1,855	Ian, Looks like you've got a real winner there, and Michael is right on the money, as usual, with its origin. Can't wait to see better pics!