Interesting Badik/Badek

CharlesS · 7th July 2013, 02:28 PM

I am aware that badiks come in a variety of variations, though keep the same basic design, but this one caught my eye because of its unique hilt.

As you can see the hilt is a composite of three parts, horn at the blade's forte, followed by some form of ivory(???) I believe that has been set with what appears to be a low grade green stone(emerald?). The end of the hilt is made of black horn set with a polished brown stone.

I bought the thing because I really liked the overall "honeyed" patina, the nice blade and the unique hilt. ONLY LATER did I begin to wonder if the hilt was originally constructed that way by a clever craftsman, or did the original, presumably horn, hilt get broken and reconstructed with different parts in this manner.

The patina is consistent throughout, and I would like to think that this was the brainstorm of a great craftsman, but I doubt I can ever be sure.

I love it regardless!!

Any thoughts or opinions are appreciated.

Ferguson · 7th July 2013, 02:55 PM

It's a beautiful piece. Congratulations!
Steve

David · 7th July 2013, 04:20 PM

Nice knife. The green stone looks like peridot to me.

VANDOO · 7th July 2013, 04:36 PM

REGARDLESS OF ITS HISTORY ITS ASCETIC APPEAL, EXCELLENT MATERIALS AND WORKMANSHIP MAKE IT A KEEPER AND NO DOUBT A BEAUTIFUL ONE OF A KIND ITEM. CONGRADULATIONS WISH IT WAS MINE

Sajen · 7th July 2013, 06:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VANDOO

REGARDLESS OF ITS HISTORY ITS ASCETIC APPEAL, EXCELLENT MATERIALS AND WORKMANSHIP MAKE IT A KEEPER AND NO DOUBT A BEAUTIFUL ONE OF A KIND ITEM. CONGRADULATIONS WISH IT WAS MINE

Can't say it better!

Have followed the auction, one of the best items for long time by ebay! Think the handle is done original this way, the very nice patination seems to be very old.

Regards,

Detlef

Maurice · 7th July 2013, 06:37 PM

A nice catch Charles,

I think it's a nice old Javanese badek!

Could be an old restoration, but not necesarrily, as in Central Java there are old types of swords with handles from horn and bone, or even three materials made...

Maurice

VVV · 8th July 2013, 10:36 AM

I agree with Detlef that it is "one of the best items for long time on ebay."
Good for you that I somehow missed it

Michael

7th July 2013, 02:28 PM	#1
CharlesS Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Greenville, NC Posts: 1,855	Interesting Badik/Badek I am aware that badiks come in a variety of variations, though keep the same basic design, but this one caught my eye because of its unique hilt. As you can see the hilt is a composite of three parts, horn at the blade's forte, followed by some form of ivory(???) I believe that has been set with what appears to be a low grade green stone(emerald?). The end of the hilt is made of black horn set with a polished brown stone. I bought the thing because I really liked the overall "honeyed" patina, the nice blade and the unique hilt. ONLY LATER did I begin to wonder if the hilt was originally constructed that way by a clever craftsman, or did the original, presumably horn, hilt get broken and reconstructed with different parts in this manner. The patina is consistent throughout, and I would like to think that this was the brainstorm of a great craftsman, but I doubt I can ever be sure. I love it regardless!! Any thoughts or opinions are appreciated. Attached Images

7th July 2013, 02:55 PM	#2
Ferguson Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Kernersville, NC, USA Posts: 793	It's a beautiful piece. Congratulations! Steve

7th July 2013, 04:20 PM	#3
David Keris forum moderator Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Nova Scotia Posts: 7,029	Nice knife. The green stone looks like peridot to me.

7th July 2013, 04:36 PM	#4
VANDOO (deceased) Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: OKLAHOMA, USA Posts: 3,138	REGARDLESS OF ITS HISTORY ITS ASCETIC APPEAL, EXCELLENT MATERIALS AND WORKMANSHIP MAKE IT A KEEPER AND NO DOUBT A BEAUTIFUL ONE OF A KIND ITEM. CONGRADULATIONS WISH IT WAS MINE

7th July 2013, 06:37 PM	#6
Maurice Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: The Netherlands Posts: 1,324	A nice catch Charles, I think it's a nice old Javanese badek! Could be an old restoration, but not necesarrily, as in Central Java there are old types of swords with handles from horn and bone, or even three materials made... Maurice

8th July 2013, 10:36 AM	#7
VVV Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Sweden Posts: 1,637	I agree with Detlef that it is "one of the best items for long time on ebay." Good for you that I somehow missed it Michael