some help in finding out more about my Keris

Adrian P · 31st August 2013, 06:59 PM

Hello everybody,
My name is Adrian and I’m a new member. A little bit about myself; I’m a Visual Artist, I grew up in Transylvania and I now live in Canada. I’ve been interested in swords since childhood. Some of the most fun I’ve had was when I spent my days near old medieval fortifications in my Grandparents place in Sighisioara. My interest is in Asian blades, especially folded steel/ Damascus & clay tempered and I have a small collection.
I recently purchased a Keris, as part of a lot of three daggers (including a Badik and Jambiya Koumaya) and I need a little bit help figuring out more info about this Indonesian blade.
Here’s a few details about my Keris: three Luks, without visible Pamor, consistently golden plated blade (doesn’t look like the electrolytic technique, the surface is not the same thickness), Dapur Naga, removable Ganja, hand welded wire decorations on Mendak / Selut; hilt and sheath are fine bone crafted with consistent signs of wearing in a traditional way.
Also this Kris is very well balanced and could easily stand up on its tip for days (in a stable environment I managed to have it vertical for four days straight, until I touched it by mistake)
Considering the Hilt only, my best guess is that it’s from Sumatra and from the blade I’d say Bali…
Is it possible to get some help in finding out more about my Keris, in respect to if it is a decent piece or touristic trade stuff, etc.
Thank in advance,
Adrian

A. G. Maisey · 1st September 2013, 03:41 AM

A photo might help us a bit Adrian.

Adrian P · 1st September 2013, 04:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by A. G. Maisey

A photo might help us a bit Adrian.

Thanks!
My posting was incomplete (without pictures) and I fixed the problem.
Please take a look to my pictures.
Thanks again,
Adrian

Henk · 1st September 2013, 09:04 AM

It should represent a Sumatra keris. Unfortunately for you made for those who travel.

Sajen · 1st September 2013, 01:27 PM

Welcome to the forum!

The keris you have shown is very recent maybe from Madura manufacture, sorry!

Regards,

Detlef

David · 1st September 2013, 01:36 PM

Welcome Adrian. I am afraid the news is not good on this particular keris as i must agree with Detlef and Henk. This is an item made for the export or tourist market. The probable origin is Madura where a lot of these are made. Sorry.

Adrian P · 1st September 2013, 02:15 PM

Thank you all for info.
I had my doubts from the beginning, considering the blade without Pamor, but the situation is now clear... I invested only $20
:-)
Thanks again,

David · 4th September 2013, 01:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Adrian P

I had my doubts from the beginning, considering the blade without Pamor, but the situation is now clear... I invested only $20
:-)

Just for the record and your further understanding there are many fine keris blades that show no pamor so this is not necessarily a telltale of a fake or repro blade. In Jawa these are referred to as keris kelengan. Many blades that come from the peninsula are also pamorless.

Adrian P · 14th September 2013, 09:15 PM

Thanks David!

31st August 2013, 06:59 PM	#1
Adrian P Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Mississauga, ON, Canada Posts: 3	some help in finding out more about my Keris Hello everybody, My name is Adrian and I’m a new member. A little bit about myself; I’m a Visual Artist, I grew up in Transylvania and I now live in Canada. I’ve been interested in swords since childhood. Some of the most fun I’ve had was when I spent my days near old medieval fortifications in my Grandparents place in Sighisioara. My interest is in Asian blades, especially folded steel/ Damascus & clay tempered and I have a small collection. I recently purchased a Keris, as part of a lot of three daggers (including a Badik and Jambiya Koumaya) and I need a little bit help figuring out more info about this Indonesian blade. Here’s a few details about my Keris: three Luks, without visible Pamor, consistently golden plated blade (doesn’t look like the electrolytic technique, the surface is not the same thickness), Dapur Naga, removable Ganja, hand welded wire decorations on Mendak / Selut; hilt and sheath are fine bone crafted with consistent signs of wearing in a traditional way. Also this Kris is very well balanced and could easily stand up on its tip for days (in a stable environment I managed to have it vertical for four days straight, until I touched it by mistake) Considering the Hilt only, my best guess is that it’s from Sumatra and from the blade I’d say Bali… Is it possible to get some help in finding out more about my Keris, in respect to if it is a decent piece or touristic trade stuff, etc. Thank in advance, Adrian Attached Images Last edited by Adrian P; 1st September 2013 at 04:38 AM.

1st September 2013, 03:41 AM	#2
A. G. Maisey Member Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 6,698	A photo might help us a bit Adrian.

1st September 2013, 09:04 AM	#4
Henk Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Netherlands Posts: 1,209	It should represent a Sumatra keris. Unfortunately for you made for those who travel.

1st September 2013, 01:27 PM	#5
Sajen Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Germany, Dortmund Posts: 8,489	Welcome to the forum! The keris you have shown is very recent maybe from Madura manufacture, sorry! Regards, Detlef

1st September 2013, 01:36 PM	#6
David Keris forum moderator Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Nova Scotia Posts: 7,025	Welcome Adrian. I am afraid the news is not good on this particular keris as i must agree with Detlef and Henk. This is an item made for the export or tourist market. The probable origin is Madura where a lot of these are made. Sorry.

1st September 2013, 02:15 PM	#7
Adrian P Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Mississauga, ON, Canada Posts: 3	Thank you all for info. I had my doubts from the beginning, considering the blade without Pamor, but the situation is now clear... I invested only $20 :-) Thanks again,

14th September 2013, 09:15 PM	#9
Adrian P Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Mississauga, ON, Canada Posts: 3	Thanks David!