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 twisted pattern. Slender five luks blade. One engraved silver clamp reinforce the blade to the handle. The grip is bound with the original natural fiber between silver mounts. Small size I pommel. Scabbard is carved from a single piece of wood.

Blade 17 1/2 inches (45 cm) long. Total length 24 1/2 inches (61 cm). Very good condition. All early and original untouched parts.

The size, the blade shape and the blade construction suggest an early age. Probably 18 C., Malayan origin.