Kris sundang in London

Ian · 29th July 2025, 01:28 AM

Hello Adam,

This is a Malayan sword rather than a Filipino Moro blade. As you know, Malaya was under British rule for some time, and this probably explains why it ended up in London. It has a nice clean blade and patina suggesting it has some age. The "stirrups" (asang asang, baca baca) occur on some Malayan sundang, similar to what are found on Moro kris. Another Malayan feature is the small silver (?) ferrule which resembles a mendak seen on keris. Comparable Moro ferrules on kris are short and cylindrical, without the bulge seen on this hilt. I'm not sure if the rest of the hilt is original.

Age is hard to assess from pictures. I would guess 19th C or first half of 20th C. Malayan sundang are still being made.

Regard, Ian

Battara · 29th July 2025, 05:05 AM

I agree Ian, the rest is not original even to Malayan kris. Notice the top wrap is loose and doesn't match the bottom silver wire wrap (which also looks added on later), never mind that fact that it is glued on. The top looks like a silver British finial for furniture or maybe a cain.

In addition, the okir/ukkil floral motif is not Moro in style but Malay, never mind that Malayan bulge.

I will say though that the the silver clamps are Malayan in style in spite of the fact that I've never seen them chased in that pattern before.

29th July 2025, 01:28 AM	#1
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,519	Hello Adam, This is a Malayan sword rather than a Filipino Moro blade. As you know, Malaya was under British rule for some time, and this probably explains why it ended up in London. It has a nice clean blade and patina suggesting it has some age. The "stirrups" (asang asang, baca baca) occur on some Malayan sundang, similar to what are found on Moro kris. Another Malayan feature is the small silver (?) ferrule which resembles a mendak seen on keris. Comparable Moro ferrules on kris are short and cylindrical, without the bulge seen on this hilt. I'm not sure if the rest of the hilt is original. Age is hard to assess from pictures. I would guess 19th C or first half of 20th C. Malayan sundang are still being made. Regard, Ian Last edited by Ian; 29th July 2025 at 04:59 AM. Reason: Spelling

29th July 2025, 05:05 AM	#2
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,345	I agree Ian, the rest is not original even to Malayan kris. Notice the top wrap is loose and doesn't match the bottom silver wire wrap (which also looks added on later), never mind that fact that it is glued on. The top looks like a silver British finial for furniture or maybe a cain. In addition, the okir/ukkil floral motif is not Moro in style but Malay, never mind that Malayan bulge. I will say though that the the silver clamps are Malayan in style in spite of the fact that I've never seen them chased in that pattern before.