Fine Early Sundang Sword with Twisted Steel Blade

Sundang swords, sometimes referred to as Kalis, or Moro sword are most commonly found in Mindanao, Philippines but are also spread around from Malaya in the west to Moro Land in the east. All with small variations that make exact identification not easy. Early Sundang swords are usually smaller and with more elegant and delicate blades. Blades of earlier Sundangs are usually of higher quality. Much sought after are Sundang swords with blade forged from twisted steel rods – A forging technique known from early time – 9 C. or earlier and it is extensively used to produce high quality blades well into the 21 C.

The Sundang sword offered here is an early one, probably 18 C.  with a blade core forged from several steel ingots, twisted and flattened to produce the intricate pattern. Slender five luks  blade. One steel clamp reinforces the blade to the handle. The grip is bound with twisted silver wire between silver mounts. Small size I pommel. Scabbard is carved from beautiful grained wood with horn upper band and horn tip.

Blade 16 1/2 inches (42 cm) long. Total length 21 inches (54 cm). Very good condition. Scabbard seams partially open.  All parts untouched early and original.