Moro Kris with chevron pattern twist core

kai · 6th July 2017, 01:50 AM

Hello Albert,

Again a superb kris!

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My first impression is, the hilt is recent. It would be safe to say that the hilt is 20th century, however I suspect the bands to be older.

I don't think the bands are really old - the whole hilt looks 20th c. to me.

I'd be tempted to replace it if a suitable antique hilt came along...

The lower clamp seems to be original; obviously, the upper one is missing.

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The blades dimensions and appearance would correspond to a 19th century manufacture.

I believe the blade is from the late 19th century.

Certainly Sulu - possibly Tawi-Tawi?

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There are several twist chevron patterns along the center panel of this blade. In between the chevrons could be monosteel. I have not done anything to this blade other than light oiling. I can't recall seeing a Moro kris with a similar blade pattern.

The first kris with this pamor for me, too!

I believe this exceptional blade deserves some gentle polishing and etching. I'd guess that the interspersed parts are highly refined iron rather than monosteel; only some detailed analysis will tell...

Regards,
Kai

kino · 6th July 2017, 04:35 AM

I'm glad you both think that it's nice in spite of the pittings.
I've been thinking about replacing the hilt as soon as an appropriate one comes along.
Kai, I'll take your advice and do some light cleaning and polishing.
Thanks.

F. de Luzon · 7th July 2017, 01:18 PM

Hi Kino,

Nice and rare blade! The hilt is non-Moro but I think it is interesting. Is that a separate mendak or is it integrated into the hilt to represent one? Moro kris hilts do not have hilt-cups so this one might be of Indonesian or Malaysian origin. A rehilted moro blade perhaps?

Fernando

kino · 8th July 2017, 02:14 PM

Thanks Fernando.
I can't tell if the mendak like piece is separate or not. I tried to see if I could shift it left or right but it doesn't move, it's too tight.
Re-hilted? Yes, but where, is up to anyone's guess. The hilt looks like a modern gunong type version.

6th July 2017, 04:35 AM	#2
kino Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 1,018	I'm glad you both think that it's nice in spite of the pittings. I've been thinking about replacing the hilt as soon as an appropriate one comes along. Kai, I'll take your advice and do some light cleaning and polishing. Thanks.

7th July 2017, 01:18 PM	#3
F. de Luzon Member Join Date: Dec 2016 Posts: 184	Hi Kino, Nice and rare blade! The hilt is non-Moro but I think it is interesting. Is that a separate mendak or is it integrated into the hilt to represent one? Moro kris hilts do not have hilt-cups so this one might be of Indonesian or Malaysian origin. A rehilted moro blade perhaps? Fernando

8th July 2017, 02:14 PM	#4
kino Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 1,018	Thanks Fernando. I can't tell if the mendak like piece is separate or not. I tried to see if I could shift it left or right but it doesn't move, it's too tight. Re-hilted? Yes, but where, is up to anyone's guess. The hilt looks like a modern gunong type version.