A fine Javanese sabre, also locally named ‘pedang’. These types of swords were influenced by the European cutlass and other military swords. They were often worn by high ranked officers serving the Dutch colonial army. They have a design that was used over decades. A slightly curved hilt which is commonly seen in Western Java and silver fittings. This example still has its original chain attached which is mostly lost.

The hilt:
As mentioned above, commonly seen on Western Javanese hilts, semi curved and made of ‘karbouw‘ horn (domesticated buffalo). The front end of the hilt has a well carved grip and the guard and pommel cap are made of silver. The solid silver guards simulates a thumb rest and curved hand protector.
The blade:
Traditionally forged with a complicated ‘pamor‘ structure. A heavy quality blade with well made flattened spine and a single fuller running down the entire blade on both sides. The ‘pamor’ structure is very tight and the cutting edge is slightly curved with a deep curve towards the tip. The forte of the blade is inscribed with a date in Dutch ‘Mei 1870 Ω’ which can be translated in English as ‘May 1870 Ω’. However many of these swords turn up with earlier attributions, this example seems to be genuinely made in or around 1870 and was likely given present during this period.

The scabbard:
Consisting of two wooden slabs, covered in good quality leather and with a long silver throat piece.
Condition: Excellent, sword is in perfect order. The upper piece of the scabbards mouth is loose.

Dimensions:
Hilt: 16cm
Blade length: 61.5cm
Blade spine thickness: 9mm
Scabbard: 64cm
Total length: 77.5cm