Keping for sharing and discussion

[Ian]

Hi Sajen,

Interesting looking blade. The scabbard style is circa 1960-1970 with peripheral nails holding the two pieces together, and the smooth surface with rounded toe. Maranao work I suspect, perhaps made in Zamboanga. The multi-pinned pommel is consistent with mid- to late- 20th C work also.

[Sajen]

Originally Posted by Ian

Hi Sajen,

Interesting looking blade. The scabbard style is circa 1960-1970 with peripheral nails holding the two pieces together, and the smooth surface with rounded toe. Maranao work I suspect, perhaps made in Zamboanga. The multi-pinned pommel is consistent with mid- to late- 20th C work also.

Hi Ian, thank you for your comment, I agree with you on all points. It's not a fancy or decorative piece but I suspect it's a real user.

Regards,
Detlef

[JeffS]

Is the upturned point the main feature that indicates this is a keping? Hope to see it cleaned up.

[Sajen]

Originally Posted by JeffS

Is the upturned point the main feature that indicates this is a keping? Hope to see it cleaned up.

Hello Jeff,

Not necessarily but so far I understand is the spine rarley straight.
And yes, you will see it cleaned up!

Regards,
Detlef

[drac2k]

Great catch Sajen; they must be rare as I can't remember ever seeing another one.

[Sajen]

Originally Posted by drac2k

Great catch Sajen; they must be rare as I can't remember ever seeing another one.

Hello David,

Thank you, but it's not a great catch IMVHO. And I doubt that you have never seen one before, you rather didn't recognize it as "keping".
Our member Xasterix has introduced these knives for our attention in this thread: http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...ghlight=keping
Most of them remember barongs and by ebay I've seen them described as barong.
Attached pictures of examples other members have shown them here.

Regards,
Detlef

[Sajen]

By the same auction two other kepings were offered. I have had a short discussion with Xasterix who gave me the tip to bid on the one I won because this one seems to be made for use instead of selling purpose.

[Sajen]

Originally Posted by JeffS

Hope to see it cleaned up.

Here you go! It's 49,5 cm long with a blade from 37,5 cm. Blade is 5 mm thick at the spine behind the handle.
Blade don't fit inside the scabbard, I guess due to the shrinking of the wood. Blade is still very sharp and I guess that it was used, there are several nicks in the edge.

Regards,
Detlef

[JeffS]

Cool - Definitely has it's own style. Thank you for the update.