Keris Sumatra ivory handle

[Sajen]

Hello David,

you are correct about the natural holes by sperm whale teeth, i just was looking for an explanation and want to bring the stone running.

I think that the handle is minimum 80 years old, maybe older.

Regards,
Detlef

[Paul B.]

As far as I am concerned it has an old and so genuine colouration and the patination can't be faked.
So I assume it is at least 80 years old. Not a standard model.
As it isn't made from elephant ivory hairlines are hardly or not present.

[David]

Well, i'm not suggesting that this hilt is "faked", but patina and coloration on ivory can and has indeed been faked. It's done all the time and unfortunately part of the reason governments have recently moved to ban "antique" ivory as well as new.
But i do believe this hilt has some age. I wouldn't really push it much beyond 80 years though.

[kai]

Hello Paul,

Originally Posted by Sajen

I think that the handle is minimum 80 years old, maybe older.

I'm less optimistic than Detlef - this does not look like an old hilt to me based on stylistic details. I'd bet on a fairly modern example that has been stained to look old.

I'm at a loss regarding the size of the pesi hole - it doesn't look anything like a worn old one; I also don't think it's a natural cavity.

Regards,
Kai

[David]

Originally Posted by kai

I'm at a loss regarding the size of the pesi hole - it doesn't look anything like a worn old one; I also don't think it's a natural cavity.

Yes, edges are just too sharp every where and that hole looks so precisely round without a chip to be seen around its circumference.

[Paul B.]

Welll these Bali handles have pretty sharp peksi holes but the handles are very old. Not the best indicator.