Twistcore kris with... erm.. Wha-- What is this?

[Spunjer]

If you're really so inclined to know dave, if this hilt was a western vs. local addition, you could perform a simple test.
What you're gonna need is a paint stripper heat gun and a pair of Ov Gloves. Place the heat gun on the widest part of the blade and apply heat. Keep it there until it melts the plant resin that was commonly used back then. I'm sure by now you are familiar with the scent. Anything else, like epoxy or glue, would produce a different smell.
Not 100% accuate, but it would be somewhat safe to say it was added back in the islands..
The counter to this would be there's a possibility that if it was redone here, that person could've brought back with him some of the same plant resin, but what are the chances, right?
Not scientific nor 100% accurate, but it's a step closer...

BTW, what's that red looking thingy between the ferrule and the blade?

[ThePepperSkull]

^ Very interesting method! I will try that once it gets to me, assuming the pitch is the same material.

As for what the red material is at the base of the blade, I am assuming it is the kind of pitch that the rehilter used, so I am guessing it is not the plant-based pitch we're all used to seeing with Moro blades.

Either that or it's... Dare I say it, a really bad case of rust.

I am hoping it's the former.

[kai]

Hello Dave,

Either that or it's... Dare I say it, a really bad case of rust.

Could also be some piece of cloth peeking out.

Please let us know how the kris feels/handles when you received it!

Regards,
Kai

[kai]

Hello Ron,

If you're really so inclined to know dave, if this hilt was a western vs. local addition, you could perform a simple test.

I agree that it would be worth to check (if only to remove the hilt for a thorough cleaning and etching of the blade): a non resin-based glue would be proof of a modern restoration attempt.

However, the reverse isn't necessarily true: lots of competent modern restorers would also use resin and up until a few decades ago using cutler's resin would have been the default procedure in most parts of the world, including western workshops. An experienced nose may be able to discern between different base resins utilised in the given mix but then again, resins from the archipelago (damar, etc.) have been widely traded for centuries...

Regards,
Kai