A few questions about this moro kris

Robert · 18th October 2018, 08:11 AM

I really like these old straight bladed kris and totally agree with what both Ian and Jose have said about who, when and where this one was made. Looking at the photos you have posted I do not believe that any of the engraving shown ever held inlay. On the hilt bands, the missing top band like the existing baka-baka on your sword could have been made from copper to match. However a band made from brass, silver, gold or any number of alloys of these metals could also have been used. Do you see any holes in the wood where the top band would have been that might indicate that it was wrapped around the hilt and then small nails used to hold it in place? Looking at the hilt wrapping and how far it extends down the hilt whether it is original or a replacement the way this wrapping was applied to the hilt I do not believe a lower band was used. This of course is just my personal opinion and I could easily be wrong

Any way you look at it this is a very nice addition to your collection, my congratulations for your good fortune in acquiring this piece.

Best,
Robert

Battara · 18th October 2018, 05:39 PM

Actually I wonder if the copper clamp might be a later replacement like the wrap.

And some Maranao and Maguindanao bands were indeed nailed to the pommels.

chiefheadknocker · 18th October 2018, 08:07 PM

Thankyou all for your help with this sword , the engravings on the sword are very worn and hardly visible ,I will try to catch a better picture if I can . I cant see any holes above the binding ,I was thinking of trying to shape a and decorate a piece of silver for it but then if its not done right it will look odd , im really drawn to these moro swords ,they look great displayed , the missus doesn't show my enthusiasm though

Ian · 18th October 2018, 09:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chiefheadknocker

... I was thinking of trying to shape a and decorate a piece of silver for it but then if its not done right it will look odd ...

You might like to talk with Battara via PM or email about that.

Quote:

... the missus doesn't show my enthusiasm though

You are not alone in that department.

18th October 2018, 08:11 AM	#1
Robert EAAF Staff Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Centerville, Kansas Posts: 2,196	I really like these old straight bladed kris and totally agree with what both Ian and Jose have said about who, when and where this one was made. Looking at the photos you have posted I do not believe that any of the engraving shown ever held inlay. On the hilt bands, the missing top band like the existing baka-baka on your sword could have been made from copper to match. However a band made from brass, silver, gold or any number of alloys of these metals could also have been used. Do you see any holes in the wood where the top band would have been that might indicate that it was wrapped around the hilt and then small nails used to hold it in place? Looking at the hilt wrapping and how far it extends down the hilt whether it is original or a replacement the way this wrapping was applied to the hilt I do not believe a lower band was used. This of course is just my personal opinion and I could easily be wrong Any way you look at it this is a very nice addition to your collection, my congratulations for your good fortune in acquiring this piece. Best, Robert

18th October 2018, 05:39 PM	#2
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,280	Actually I wonder if the copper clamp might be a later replacement like the wrap. And some Maranao and Maguindanao bands were indeed nailed to the pommels.

18th October 2018, 08:07 PM	#3
chiefheadknocker Member Join Date: Dec 2014 Posts: 143	Thankyou all for your help with this sword , the engravings on the sword are very worn and hardly visible ,I will try to catch a better picture if I can . I cant see any holes above the binding ,I was thinking of trying to shape a and decorate a piece of silver for it but then if its not done right it will look odd , im really drawn to these moro swords ,they look great displayed , the missus doesn't show my enthusiasm though