Interesting and unusual knife, opinions please!

[Sajen]

Hi Ian,

very good hint and very obvious! This would also explain the "crown" he wearing. Thank you.

Regards,
Detlef

[Sajen]

Have received the knife already some days ago. Sadly is the blade heavy and partly deep scratched from a previous owner by a grinder or something else, the tip of the blade was bended and the horn hilt is cracked in the back. The tip is straight again and I've started to repolish the blade on one side, it's possible but hard work. The blade seems to be laminated what let me think that the origin is South Thailand.
The deity hilt figure has no fangs so I don't think that it shows Hanuman. Soon as possible I will be able to show some better pictures but here a few fast taken ones which shows how badly the blade is scratched and some close ups from the hilt.

[Ian]

Thanks for the extra pics Detlef. I agree, definitely not the usual depiction of Hanuman in Thai work. There are, however, many other characters from the Thai version of the Ramayama that this figure might represent.

The prior abuse to the blade is unfortunate, but maybe reparable, and your usual restorer may be able to help with the crack to the hilt. I hope you can revive this old knife because it is unusual and seems to have been around for a while.

Ian.

[Sajen]

Originally Posted by Ian

Thanks for the extra pics Detlef. I agree, definitely not the usual depiction of Hanuman in Thai work. There are, however, many other characters from the Thai version of the Ramayama that this figure might represent.

Thank you Ian. And agree with you that it will be one of the numerous characters of the Thai Ramayama figures, hopefully I will find out one day which one.

Originally Posted by Ian

The prior abuse to the blade is unfortunate, but maybe reparable, and your usual restorer may be able to help with the crack to the hilt. I hope you can revive this old knife because it is unusual and seems to have been around for a while.

My first concern will be the blade and I think that I am on a good way to let look it nice again. The seller is situated in Danmark so it was shipped direct to Germany but maybe I will send it one day to the States that he can do his skilled work on the handle to close the crack. Like you I think it's worth the effort.

Best regards,
Detlef

[Sajen]

Originally Posted by Sajen

My first concern will be the blade and I think that I am on a good way to let look it nice again.

Here some fast taken pictures after the first side is polished and has received a mild etch.

[Robert]

Very good work on removing the scratches from the blade so far Detlef. It should look great after you have finished both sides. The damage itself looks like a previous owner used a wire wheel on a grinder (most likely to remove rust) without realizing just how much damage it would do the metal. I am not sure what has caused more damage to blades, wire wheels or dremels. If you would, please post more photos of this piece when it is finished for future reference. Congratulations on being able to add this most unusual piece to your ever growing collection.

Best,
Robert

[Ian]

Originally Posted by Robert

I am not sure what has caused more damage to blades, wire wheels or dremels.

Yes indeed!