My first Keris.....but is it a good one??

[David]

Originally Posted by katana

Does this mean that the blade is older ? Or is this feature due to the skill or origin of the blade maker ?

Not necessarily. A separate gonjo on an Indo keris is not really an indicator of age as it is with Moro kris where a separate gonjo generally indicates a pre-1930 dating.
I do believe that your keris is an older. I haven't read nearly as much about age indicators for Bali keris as Jawa, but it seems to me that this type of Bali keris is older than the late 19th century style that we generally attribute to that more bold Bali look. The diminutive ricikan and the slow, gentle waver of the luk definitely read to me as an older style. I don't know how much older. Perhaps someone has more information.

Originally Posted by katana

I also understand that meteoric ores could be added....but how would you know?

Here's a link to 21 pages of threads were meteoric pamor has been discussed on these forums.
http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/search...earchid=205157
The short answer is that you can never be sure unless you commissioned the piece and watched it be made, but the likelihood is low. Meteoric ore was a rare commodity that was controlled and used sparingly.
Of the 21 pages this particular thread might be helpful to you on this subject.
http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...eteorite+keris

[katana]

Thank you Rick
I will add a few pics of the blade profile later, and read the link you posted.

Hi David,
an older blade that would be great. I never, before, realised the complexities of Keris .....no wonder you guys have a separate forum
I will certainly read through the posts about the use of meteoric ore ....I know I will find it fasinating. Having held a few meteors and knowing that these travelled the great void of space for millions of years is a 'strange experience'.... no wonder their importance if forged into blade

Thank you all for making me feel so welcome, I appreciate it.

Kind Regards David