Mysterious sword

Ian · 10th January 2020, 01:27 PM

Good point Rick. Similar decorations to what you show are seen on the hilts of some 20th C gunong and Mindanao kris.

Sajen · 11th January 2020, 12:32 PM

Hello Albert,

Very, very interesting sword!

While hilt and blade let me direct think it's Sulawesi work I am more as confused by the silver fittings so I understand Ian's suggestion.

Maybe really an antique marriage?

Regards,
Detlef

Albert · 11th January 2020, 09:29 PM

Thank you all for your comment.
I hope others can give some additioal information to solve the mystery.

Kubur · 11th January 2020, 11:23 PM

I'm not an expert in this kind of sword...
But this silver wire work is called filigree and very common in many parts of the world.

CharlesS · 12th January 2020, 08:51 PM

I tend to agree with the above comments. I am fairly certain the fittings are much younger than the rest of the nice sword.

Ian · 13th January 2020, 12:58 AM

Might it be that this sword took a trip with its owner on a pilgrimage, say on The Haj, and had the silver work performed in the Middle East. In that case, perhaps Ibrahiim might recognize the style of silver decoration and be able to help.

Ian

Paul B. · 14th January 2020, 05:59 AM

Here is a fairly similar silver decoration at the neck of a badik but this one looks much older. It comes from a recent auction.

Checked my collection and there is a keris dress with the same workmanship (anyway not silver). Later addition.

Ibrahiim al Balooshi · 14th January 2020, 07:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ian

Might it be that this sword took a trip with its owner on a pilgrimage, say on The Haj, and had the silver work performed in the Middle East. In that case, perhaps Ibrahiim might recognize the style of silver decoration and be able to help.

Ian

I see no similarities except in perhaps about 1%/2% of the work to anything vaguely Omani or Arabian thus I suggest it is purely local and true to form for its region.

11th January 2020, 09:29 PM	#3
Albert Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: The Netherlands Posts: 205	Additional information? Thank you all for your comment. I hope others can give some additioal information to solve the mystery.

13th January 2020, 12:58 AM	#6
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,515	Another thought ... Might it be that this sword took a trip with its owner on a pilgrimage, say on The Haj, and had the silver work performed in the Middle East. In that case, perhaps Ibrahiim might recognize the style of silver decoration and be able to help. Ian

14th January 2020, 05:59 AM	#7
Paul B. Member Join Date: Nov 2017 Posts: 205	Here is a fairly similar silver decoration at the neck of a badik but this one looks much older. It comes from a recent auction. Checked my collection and there is a keris dress with the same workmanship (anyway not silver). Later addition. Attached Images Last edited by Paul B.; 14th January 2020 at 06:33 AM.

10th January 2020, 01:27 PM	#1
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,515	Good point Rick. Similar decorations to what you show are seen on the hilts of some 20th C gunong and Mindanao kris.

11th January 2020, 12:32 PM	#2
Sajen Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Germany, Dortmund Posts: 9,409	Hello Albert, Very, very interesting sword! While hilt and blade let me direct think it's Sulawesi work I am more as confused by the silver fittings so I understand Ian's suggestion. Maybe really an antique marriage? Regards, Detlef

11th January 2020, 11:23 PM	#4
Kubur Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 2,145	I'm not an expert in this kind of sword... But this silver wire work is called filigree and very common in many parts of the world.

12th January 2020, 08:51 PM	#5
CharlesS Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Greenville, NC Posts: 1,854	I tend to agree with the above comments. I am fairly certain the fittings are much younger than the rest of the nice sword.