Oh the shark has pretty teeth dear...

Dmitry · 15th May 2010, 12:03 AM

Hello, gentlemen!
What are the origins of this sword, in your opinion?
Blade is 51 cm.

Battara · 15th May 2010, 12:15 AM

It is Indonesian for sure, perhaps Javanese? White metal bands.

Rick · 15th May 2010, 01:41 AM

White Brass ?
Agree on Jawa/Madura .

Sajen · 15th May 2010, 02:03 AM

It's a pendang lurus, most probably from Cirebon. Here my more common example. The metal of the sheath and handle are by my example from silver.

Dmitry · 15th May 2010, 07:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sajen

It's a pendang lurus, most probably from Cirebon. Here my more common example. The metal of the sheath and handle are by my example from silver.

Thank you! The blade is definitely pedang, but the hilt is atypical, although it does maintain a stylized Lion [?] head as a pommel. What is the significance of the Lion figure in Javanese culture?
How would you date this sword?
Thanks again!

Sajen · 15th May 2010, 08:16 PM

I am not sure that this shall be a lion. Dating, careful guess: mid until end of 19th c.

kai · 15th May 2010, 08:35 PM

Hello Dmitry,

Quote:

What is the significance of the Lion figure in Javanese culture?

This is not a lion - much more likely to represent Makara. (Can be tough or next to impossible to positively identify what the carver wanted it to be though...)

The blade seems to be antique; less sure about the hilt. The scabbard's wood is apparently dyed with lower quality metalwork. The metal sheets nailed on the hilt (and the replaced ferrule) appear to be much younger and of low quality (they don't even follow the lines of the carving). I'd consider removing them.

Regards,
Kai

kai · 15th May 2010, 08:38 PM

P.S.: The eyes could be original and might be worth to keep if a close inspection reveals them to be intended/older.

Henk · 15th May 2010, 09:25 PM

I agree with Kai. An antique javanese pedang lurus with pamor. Hilt and scabbard are more recent replacements. And the copperwork on the hilt reminds me of someone who has nothing to do in his most recent spare weekends.
Without the copperwork on the hilt a very atractive piece.

15th May 2010, 12:03 AM	#1
Dmitry Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 607	Oh the shark has pretty teeth dear... Hello, gentlemen! What are the origins of this sword, in your opinion? Blade is 51 cm. Attached Images

15th May 2010, 02:03 AM	#4
Sajen Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Germany, Dortmund Posts: 8,490	It's a pendang lurus, most probably from Cirebon. Here my more common example. The metal of the sheath and handle are by my example from silver. Attached Images

15th May 2010, 12:15 AM	#2
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,139	It is Indonesian for sure, perhaps Javanese? White metal bands.

15th May 2010, 01:41 AM	#3
Rick Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 6,262	White Brass ? Agree on Jawa/Madura .

15th May 2010, 08:16 PM	#6
Sajen Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Germany, Dortmund Posts: 8,490	I am not sure that this shall be a lion. Dating, careful guess: mid until end of 19th c.

15th May 2010, 08:38 PM	#8
kai Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 3,218	P.S.: The eyes could be original and might be worth to keep if a close inspection reveals them to be intended/older.

15th May 2010, 09:25 PM	#9
Henk Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Netherlands Posts: 1,209	I agree with Kai. An antique javanese pedang lurus with pamor. Hilt and scabbard are more recent replacements. And the copperwork on the hilt reminds me of someone who has nothing to do in his most recent spare weekends. Without the copperwork on the hilt a very atractive piece.