Lot 160
  • 160

Three Malay Daggers (Kris) With Silver Scabbards, Malaysia/Sumatra, 18th-19th Century

Estimate
4,000 - 5,000 GBP
bidding is closed

Description

the wavy-edge layered steel blade, inscription inlaid with silver at assymetric forte, the wooden hilt in the form of an abstract bird carving, the silver scabbard with engraved floral motif and wooden scabbard mouthpiece; the slender double-edged steel blade with jagged assymetric forte, the faceted ivory hilt, engraved silver scabbard with inscriptions and floral forms; the slender double-edged steel blade with jagged assymetric forte and inscriptions on both sides of blade, the intricately carved wooden hilt with openwork, in the shape of a stylised flower

Condition

All daggers in overall very good condition, all three blades and scabbards suffer from patination due to age, the two wooden hilts have some abrasions and scratches, the ivory hilt has some staining and scratches also, as viewed.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any stat.mes nt made by Replica Shoes 's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Catalogue Note

inscriptions
1) On one side:  The Basmalah.
On the other side: Undeciphered.  Not Arabic, Persian or Turkish.
2) The shahada followed by a quotation, which appears 3 t.mes s in the Qur'an. (Qur'an, surah Al-'Imran (III), parts of 185; surah al-Anbiya (XXI), parts of 35 and surah al-'Ankabut (XXIX), parts of 57.
An undeciphered inscription and 'Raj Fatima 1[2]78 (?) (A.D.1861-2)'
'Raj Fatima' is also at the end of the scabbard.
3) Undeciphered inscription with date as: 'Year 1155 (A.D.1742-3).

The Malay kris became a weapon that above all was an insignium of rank rather than a practical weapon, and varied greatly in its embellishment. One particular form of kris was used as an executioner's weapon. The victim would traditionally be dispatched by a single downward thrust from the left collar bone, piercing the heart. This was thought a more noble death than other possible methods, since little or no blood was shed.