A Fine Sumatran ‘Sikin Panjang‘ from the Acehnese region. These crowned swords were worn by high ranked military warlords (‘Panglima Prang‘). The crown indicated loyalty and succes in combat and was mostly given to military commanders who proved themselves in battle. The golden crown was associated with the Sultanate of Aceh. The Sultan himself was only entitled to wear weapons with four crowns.
The ‘Sikin Panjang’ was one of the most used swords among the Acehnese during the Aceh war in the late 19th century against the Dutch colonial forces. It was often accompanied with a rattan shield ‘Peurise‘, a ‘blunderbuss‘ and a smaller side knife known as ‘Rencong‘ or ‘Siwar‘.

The hilt:
Of popular form in the mostly Islamic Acehnese region, locally called ‘Hulu Rumpung‘. It was carved of one piece of horn slightly curved with two protruding ends. The ferrule is a nine petal golden crown, finely carved and finished enamel. The base of the blade is made of a pattern welded steel guard which is inlayed with gold.

The blade:
Of very high quality, single edged and straight with a rounded tip. The blade is one of the better examples in its kind, due to the smooth forged steel and magnificent welding pattern. The blade features a single wide fuller on both sides. The flat spine reveals an interesting laminated structure.
Conclusion:

A very fine ‘Sikin’ which meets all the requirements of the modern day collector of Sumatran arms. The exquisite blade and golden crowned hilt can be seen as a very good example of its type. The original wooden scabbard is silver clad with a number of sleeves and is quite rare compared to the more common wooden scabbard with engraved floral motives.

Condition: Very good, minor ware on crown and a very small damage on the cutting edge, light pitting and loss of the gold inlay on the blade. The scabbard has a damaged part on the silver sleeve. The hilt has a small chip. All considered still in very good condition.

Dimensions:
Hilt: 15cm
Blade: 50.5cm
Blade spine thickness: 8mm
Scabbard: 58cm
Total length: 73cm