The missing bolster would be basically a round metal bead tightly fitted over the tang between handle and blade. This could be replaced, but its absense in no way impedes putting a handle on this blade. Any of these handles can be made by a woodworker and a jeweller (for the metal fittings) from photos. A woodworker will be able to get Indonesian wood, if you want it, though the price, both financial and environmental/socio-political is something to consider. There is an individual who posts on this forum who dresses Southern Phillipino swords, and perhaps he will contact you with advice or an offer. A perfectly good militia handle can be made from a long quartering staff/bo staff from a martial arts store, and some of them are Indonesian, too. The difficulty is with the metal fittings. A competent grinder can make them from old candlesticks, tapered tubular ,m etal chair legs and hoe sockets, but if you want to hire them done, I'd advise you to hire a jeweller. Brass is traditionally typical. All three of the spear style handles are round in section. Try to get a piece of wood whos fibres run its whole length.
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2nd January 2005, 09:58 PM
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