ANYONE RECOGNISE THIS BLADE

Rick · 22nd October 2008, 10:42 PM

The blade says Bali to me .

There's something about how the fuller terminates ...

A. G. Maisey · 22nd October 2008, 10:54 PM

I can see a lot of Jawa in this weapon.

I understand why you have nominated Bali, Rick, but old Javanese blades had the same finish that we are used to seeing on Bali blades. If you see old blades that were made in Jawa pre, say, 1900, and that have not been subjected to periodic cleaning and staining, what you see is a finish that we would call a Balinese finish.

Apart from which, Bali at the time when this blade would have been made had virtually no European influence. Jawa had a lot of European influence, to the point where the aristocrats were even adopting and adapting European dress.

I think I'd be inclined to call this piece 19th. century Jawa.

Atlantia · 23rd October 2008, 02:33 AM

You know what Roy, I find I've been pondering this for most of the evening. I think this is one of the most interesting 'oddities' I've seen in a long while.
What a fantastic idea, east copys west copying east.
I would love to see the tang on that blade, not loose is it?
I find myself wondering if it was made specifically for a colonial officer, emulating the late 19thC 'sidearm' bayonets of the period? Or a local official in the style of their colonial masters? Local honour guard carrying copies of european blades?
Whats the back edge of the blade like?
Wouldn't you love this one to be able to speak and tell its tale?
Its certainly unique in my very limited experience.

Regards
Gene

Lew · 23rd October 2008, 02:59 AM

Reminds me of some Lombak blades.

Lew

22nd October 2008, 10:42 PM	#1
Rick Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 6,339	The blade says Bali to me . There's something about how the fuller terminates ...

22nd October 2008, 10:54 PM	#2
A. G. Maisey Member Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 7,019	I can see a lot of Jawa in this weapon. I understand why you have nominated Bali, Rick, but old Javanese blades had the same finish that we are used to seeing on Bali blades. If you see old blades that were made in Jawa pre, say, 1900, and that have not been subjected to periodic cleaning and staining, what you see is a finish that we would call a Balinese finish. Apart from which, Bali at the time when this blade would have been made had virtually no European influence. Jawa had a lot of European influence, to the point where the aristocrats were even adopting and adapting European dress. I think I'd be inclined to call this piece 19th. century Jawa.

23rd October 2008, 02:33 AM	#3
Atlantia Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: The Sharp end Posts: 2,928	You know what Roy, I find I've been pondering this for most of the evening. I think this is one of the most interesting 'oddities' I've seen in a long while. What a fantastic idea, east copys west copying east. I would love to see the tang on that blade, not loose is it? I find myself wondering if it was made specifically for a colonial officer, emulating the late 19thC 'sidearm' bayonets of the period? Or a local official in the style of their colonial masters? Local honour guard carrying copies of european blades? Whats the back edge of the blade like? Wouldn't you love this one to be able to speak and tell its tale? Its certainly unique in my very limited experience. Regards Gene

23rd October 2008, 02:59 AM	#4
Lew (deceased) Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: East Coast USA Posts: 3,191	Reminds me of some Lombak blades. Lew