Maranao kris?

kai · 22nd October 2012, 07:52 AM

Hello Detlef,

I also believe this blade is Maguindanao (also the hilt suits fine). Actually, I see no hints that speak for Maranao?

Does the kris really have a seperate gangya? Considering the scroll work, I'd lean towards a somewhat later date.

BTW, etched silver can look pretty much like brass. IMHO this is likely brass though; checking with a gentle polish wouldn't hurt, I guess.

Regards,
Kai

Sajen · 22nd October 2012, 03:20 PM

Hello Kai,

thank's for comment. Until now I haven't it in my hands so I can't say for sure if it has a seperate gangya. But have a look to the last but one picture; I think it's seperate. When the "brass" is silver would be nice, we will know for sure when I have received it.
Thank you for confirming the statement from Jose that it is a Maguindanao blade and your dating.

Regards,

Detlef

Battara · 22nd October 2012, 10:59 PM

Actually I think I do see a separate ganga and not one of those later engraved ones.

Kai I was thinking the same thing - the "brass" could in fact be tarnished silver, which would be easier to inlay than brass (I have inlaid both).

Rick · 22nd October 2012, 11:18 PM

There is something quite 20th century about the detail work; kembang kacang etc .

I think this is early post WWII .

Battara · 23rd October 2012, 01:44 AM

I have seen early post WWII and the workmanship on this is superior to that date. I would guess at early 20c.

I would change my mind if the ganga is not separate.

Rick · 23rd October 2012, 02:39 AM

It's just the lack of a transitional curve from the leading edge of the Sorsoran area through to the side of the blade that bothers me .
Its aspect is almost planar in nature; something I would not expect to see in a pre-WWII blade .

There must also be good examples extant of post WWII blades too .

David · 23rd October 2012, 02:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rick

There must also be good examples extant of post WWII blades too .

I believe there are Rick and i think we have seen some of them in this forum. While quality in general has certainly fallen over the years there have always been at least a few good craftsmen around producing quality blades even after WWII.

kai · 24th October 2012, 08:45 AM

Hello Rick,

Quote:

It's just the lack of a transitional curve from the leading edge of the Sorsoran area through to the side of the blade that bothers me .
Its aspect is almost planar in nature; something I would not expect to see in a pre-WWII blade .

I do see the flat, rather 2-dimensional design at the base of the blade, especially of the elefant's head and associated features. This is seen in some post-"Span-Am war" kris and obviously related to the decrease in workmanship and/or availability of funds by the buyers during and after that war; while this decrease of quality seems to be gradual, there were still quite a few blades of distinctly higher quality produced until 1930 (and arguably continuing up to today).

If the gangya is seperate in Detlef's kris (seems quite possible), I'd also estimate this blade to be from the 1920-1930 period based on the blade alone. I agree with Detlef that the hilt (design, quality, patina) supports an age before WW2. (It should be noted that some kris were regularly handled and used for fighting up to the late 20th c. though.)

Regards,
Kai

22nd October 2012, 07:52 AM	#1
kai Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 3,255	Hello Detlef, I also believe this blade is Maguindanao (also the hilt suits fine). Actually, I see no hints that speak for Maranao? Does the kris really have a seperate gangya? Considering the scroll work, I'd lean towards a somewhat later date. BTW, etched silver can look pretty much like brass. IMHO this is likely brass though; checking with a gentle polish wouldn't hurt, I guess. Regards, Kai

22nd October 2012, 03:20 PM	#2
Sajen Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Germany, Dortmund Posts: 9,274	Hello Kai, thank's for comment. Until now I haven't it in my hands so I can't say for sure if it has a seperate gangya. But have a look to the last but one picture; I think it's seperate. When the "brass" is silver would be nice, we will know for sure when I have received it. Thank you for confirming the statement from Jose that it is a Maguindanao blade and your dating. Regards, Detlef

22nd October 2012, 10:59 PM	#3
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,310	Actually I think I do see a separate ganga and not one of those later engraved ones. Kai I was thinking the same thing - the "brass" could in fact be tarnished silver, which would be easier to inlay than brass (I have inlaid both).

22nd October 2012, 11:18 PM	#4
Rick Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 6,347	There is something quite 20th century about the detail work; kembang kacang etc . I think this is early post WWII .

23rd October 2012, 01:44 AM	#5
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,310	I have seen early post WWII and the workmanship on this is superior to that date. I would guess at early 20c. I would change my mind if the ganga is not separate.

23rd October 2012, 02:39 AM	#6
Rick Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 6,347	It's just the lack of a transitional curve from the leading edge of the Sorsoran area through to the side of the blade that bothers me . Its aspect is almost planar in nature; something I would not expect to see in a pre-WWII blade . There must also be good examples extant of post WWII blades too .