Cute but what is it really?

[Sajen]

Hello Marcus,

first, the handle material look indeed like ivory. And agree with Kai, for sure not a Batak knife. But I wouldn't rule out East Java or Madura but could be as well from Bali/Lombok. On your pictures it look much better. Nice piece.

Regards,
Detlef

[Marcus]

I was just grasping at straws. The features of the character look to me like a blend of Chinese and perhaps even African. Other aspects of the knife do suggest Indonesian to me but not typical of any type I am familiar with. I really would love to place it. My guess on age would be early twentieth century.
Other opinions welcome.
Marcus

[Sajen]

Originally Posted by Marcus

Other aspects of the knife do suggest Indonesian to me but not typical of any type I am familiar with. I really would love to place it. My guess on age would be early twentieth century.

It's clearly Indonesian and I am nearly sure that I have given the direction where you have to search, it will from one of this places or nearby. The carving at the scabbard is clearly a good point from which you can get hints for the origin. Could also older, maybe end of 19th century, the patina look very good. Not every knife you can find in a book and collecting blades is not like collect stamps. The scabbard is very well made, it was a worthy knife for someone.

Regards,
Detlef