Add on to my sewar collection

[Sajen]

Originally Posted by David

Hi Detlef....i don't know a lot about these and frankly the photos are not that good. But from what i can see i would say this is a fairly late example and that the pommel piece is probably gold plated at best. I don't think the metal is real silver either. Maybe that is plated as well, but in the photos it looks more like mammas. The stone is probably glass. Hoping that when you get this in hand you find different though.

Hi David,

have the same thoughts about the mounts but still have the hope....
On the other hand is green horn a valuable material. Will let test the materials when I have received the dagger.

Regards,

Detlef

[Battara]

Without testing, the mounts do look silver to me, but I am afraid that the others may be gold plating indeed. Not surprised about the glass.

Better pictures posted will help once you get it in hand.

[Sajen]

Originally Posted by Battara

Without testing, the mounts do look silver to me, but I am afraid that the others may be gold plating indeed. Not surprised about the glass.

Better pictures posted will help once you get it in hand.

Hi Jose,

thank you for your thoughts on this one. Would be great when you are correct. Soon as I have received it I will let test it.

Regards,

Detlef

[Sajen]

Have received the sewar. In the late afternoon I have been by a jeweller and let test it. The silver mounts are indeed real silver and the cap is most probable fire gilded. By the blue stone he wasn't sure, could be a sapphire but could be glass, to be sure he need to take it out from the bulb fitting. I personally think that it is stone, a small piece is broken away and this place look like glass under magnifying glass. Blade is very fine laminated but have some minor corrosion which I still need to remove. All in all it a very nice small dagger.

Here some close ups, not the best quality, it become soon dark now here in Germany.

[Battara]

I now see it. You are right in that the stone is glass and the pommel does look like gilded silver.

Still a nice piece.

[asomotif]

Hello Detlef,

Good bargain price.
To me it looks like a "refurbished" sewar.

The blade looks old, the scabbard mouth also looks old and well carved.
But the silver mountings look recent and made with less detail and care.
Also the visible glue ? between the blade and hilt makes me say it is a restored oldy.

BTW. still at a bargain price

Best regards,
Willem

[Sajen]

Thank you Jose and Willem!

Willem, first I have had the same thoughts about the silver fittings, but they are old and worn (see pictures) maybe just a little overpolished. Handle is maybe regluded.

Have read in " Traditional Weapons Of The Indonesian Archipelago" about sewar the following: " More expensive examples , often totally or partly covered with precious metal, may be decorated with enamel or small stones... On hilts with a flat upper part we sometimes see a golden decoration called tampo"

Regards,

Detlef