Long Glat (?) mandau with questions

[Sajen]

Originally Posted by Bob A

As you've indicated you desire comment, I'm pleased to oblige.

I like everything about the mandau very much, except the blade, which is of course the absolute heart of the thing.

While the blade is happily curious, with its cross-cultural markings, none of which arise from its native culture, it is otherwise jarring, set as it is in the midst of its fine furniture. I could provide a few similes to demonstrate verbally the inherent incongruity, but they would seem insulting, and I do not wish to insult either the weapon or its owner. Actually, the curiosity factor serves in large extent to override the feeling of its being somehow out of place. Anomalies are often fascinating, and sometimes instructive.

Hello Bob,

Yes, the blade is a mystery to me as well but there will be an explanation for it. I guess that the European stamp is from the used steel whatever was used. And the Arabic stamp will be from the blacksmith, just my guess.

Regards,
Detlef

[Sajen]

I was able to remove the varnish with nail varnish remover from my wife!
And I have removed the surface rust underneath. The blade shows scratches either from the original finish or from an unprofessional cleaning from a former owner.
Here are some new pictures by daylight. Is someone able to translate the Arabic stamp?

[Sajen]

And a few pictures from the scabbard.

[Green]

love the hilt and the scabbard has lovely tempusar too!
the arabic script pic is upside down. It is pronounced " Boos - re" (Busri)

Probaby a person's name although a more common one is BASRI.

[kai]

Thanks, Nik!

The double mark is weird. In the coastal communities, there certainly may have been some Islamic bladesmiths venturing into forging such blades - however, marking the blades in this fashion seems like quite a western and/or late influence...

The western mark seems most like a remnant already present from the raw material. Once "modern" western steel became available/affordable, it quickly became the preferred material for tools due to its reliability. The relatively plain look of this mandau blade may support such a utilitarian notion for a real user blade rather than something focusing on ceremonial use.

Regards,
Kai

[Sajen]

Originally Posted by Green

love the hilt and the scabbard has lovely tempusar too!
the arabic script pic is upside down. It is pronounced " Boos - re" (Busri)

Probaby a person's name although a more common one is BASRI.

Thank you Nik,

Sorry for my very late reply, I was very busy by work the last weeks.

Here the inscription in correct view. And yes, I like the hilt and scabbard also.

Regards,
Detlef