Tourist kampilan or unusual hilt?

[Bill]

Originally Posted by carlos

someone knows how I can erase this nickel?

Pictures never tell the real story but I doubt this sword was plated with nickel. For hundreds of years "Luwa Iron" was produced in Sulawesi/Celebes. According to Pelras (The Burgis) this steel had a high nickel content & was valued through the archipelago before European influences. Before European scrap metal hit the scene, much of the welded/pamor blades included Luwa.
The Bugis controlled the Spice trade, before the Europeans, often using high nickel content steel, as well, sword blades for trade. Also remember, metals in this area are constantly recycled. The high nickel content, I believe helps a lot of these swords from rusting.
Variations of the kampilan are found throughout the Moluccas & Banda Sea area.
Your sword is not a tourist item.
Previous owner probably steel wooled your sword to remove the blackening.
You could experiment by using some week acids to darken the blade, if you choose.

[carlos]

Thanks all for the information, Bill , your answer have made me more happy!!! , this information is very good to me!!
best regards
carlos