Strange twist core Moro _____???

VVV · 30th August 2012, 12:51 PM

I picked up this sword at a local auction this Summer.
It's quite small, has twist core and I assume it's 19th C?
It also has a false edge.
What do you think it is?
Could it be a remodeled old twist core kris??
Do you have any reference pictures of similar swords???

Michael

PS I have had BIG problems etching it and have tried both FeCl and household vinegar.
Somehow I don't manage to get enough contrast. Any hints?

Royston · 30th August 2012, 01:22 PM

Hello Michael

Nice unusual
piece. It reminds me a little ( and only a little ) of the one I have that was posted under Moro / Borneo hybrid a few years back.

As for the etching, how long are you leaving the vinegar on ? Are you using it hot ?

Regards
Roy

mross · 30th August 2012, 01:46 PM

I vote for a remoldeled kris.

T. Koch · 30th August 2012, 04:12 PM

Wow, interesting piece! It looks as if the pattern weld is starting to come apart. Could this be the result of unskilled hands, i.e. the re-forging done by a smith who was perhaps unfamiliar with the principles of patterned steel? The handle and ferrule looks similar to that of a barong.

Whatever it is, it's coooool!

Michael, sorry for the semi-OT, but is there a convenient Scandinavian source for FeCl, or do you just buy it online? I'd like to try out a more aggressive etch.

All the best, - Thor

VANDOO · 30th August 2012, 04:34 PM

MAYBE A REWORKED KRIS BUT MORE LIKELY SOMEONE TRYING TO MAKE A TWISTCORE BARONG. THE BLADE BEING NARROW DOES MAKE ONE WONDER IF IT WAS A KERIS AT ONE TIME. PICTURES OF THE BLADE FORTE (BOTH SIDES) COULD REVEAL IF IT WAS REFORGED FROM A KERIS. THOSE WHO FORGE AND MAKE KNIVES SHOULD BE ABLE TO TELL WHAT WAS DONE BUT AS USUAL ITS DIFFICULT TO KNOW FOR CERTIAN FROM PICTURES ONLY. A VERY INTERESTING BARONG.

Rick · 30th August 2012, 04:54 PM

I'm pretty sure those are cold shuts showing on the blade .

Anorexic Barung ?

30th August 2012, 12:51 PM	#1
VVV Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Sweden Posts: 1,637	Strange twist core Moro _____??? I picked up this sword at a local auction this Summer. It's quite small, has twist core and I assume it's 19th C? It also has a false edge. What do you think it is? Could it be a remodeled old twist core kris?? Do you have any reference pictures of similar swords??? Michael PS I have had BIG problems etching it and have tried both FeCl and household vinegar. Somehow I don't manage to get enough contrast. Any hints? Attached Images

30th August 2012, 01:22 PM	#2
Royston Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Poole England Posts: 441	Hello Michael Nice unusual piece. It reminds me a little ( and only a little ) of the one I have that was posted under Moro / Borneo hybrid a few years back. As for the etching, how long are you leaving the vinegar on ? Are you using it hot ? Regards Roy

30th August 2012, 01:46 PM	#3
mross Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 478	I vote for a remoldeled kris.

30th August 2012, 04:12 PM	#4
T. Koch Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Mother North Posts: 189	Wow, interesting piece! It looks as if the pattern weld is starting to come apart. Could this be the result of unskilled hands, i.e. the re-forging done by a smith who was perhaps unfamiliar with the principles of patterned steel? The handle and ferrule looks similar to that of a barong. Whatever it is, it's coooool! Michael, sorry for the semi-OT, but is there a convenient Scandinavian source for FeCl, or do you just buy it online? I'd like to try out a more aggressive etch. All the best, - Thor

30th August 2012, 04:34 PM	#5
VANDOO (deceased) Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: OKLAHOMA, USA Posts: 3,138	MAYBE A REWORKED KRIS BUT MORE LIKELY SOMEONE TRYING TO MAKE A TWISTCORE BARONG. THE BLADE BEING NARROW DOES MAKE ONE WONDER IF IT WAS A KERIS AT ONE TIME. PICTURES OF THE BLADE FORTE (BOTH SIDES) COULD REVEAL IF IT WAS REFORGED FROM A KERIS. THOSE WHO FORGE AND MAKE KNIVES SHOULD BE ABLE TO TELL WHAT WAS DONE BUT AS USUAL ITS DIFFICULT TO KNOW FOR CERTIAN FROM PICTURES ONLY. A VERY INTERESTING BARONG.

30th August 2012, 04:54 PM	#6
Rick Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 6,268	I'm pretty sure those are cold shuts showing on the blade . Anorexic Barung ?