Fake vs genuine...

[kai]

Welcome to the forum, Richard!

My little kris (21cm blade) has a very black ground, with the silver pattern raised slightly above (Java style?).

Could as well be the Bugis-influenced style of blade maintenance...

It just doesn't feel like something that has been around a couple of centuries; no wear on the blade apparant, no smoothness to it. Could possibly be an older piece that has been reworked.

Lots of genuine antique keris blades have no smooth surface and wear may not be apparent.

Sorry about the non-photo ability.

We really do need pics! Otherwise we're just guessing in a vacuum.

Let us know the ebay number and we can lift the pics from there and post them here for reference.

I lived in Jakarta in the 1970's and on a trip to Bali at 16 (Kuta Beach only had one losman and no paved roads) I traded my Seiko watch for a nice antique kris; with shiny-smooth black blade and silver veining.

Pics would certainly be great. Not a chance to take any with a cell phone or a loaned digicam?

Regards,
Kai