Fine Early Sundang Sword with laminated 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 Malya 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, with less number of waves (Luks) which are also of softer curvature. Blades of earlier Sundangs are usually of higher quality.

The Sundang sword exhibited here is an early one with a blade forged from laminated steel core forge welded between high carbon hardened steel edges. Seven luks blade. Two silver  clamps are reinforcing the blade in the handle. The grip is bound with cross hatched silver wires. Small size Ivory Cockatoo style pommel.

Blade 19 inches long. Total length 23 inches. Very good condition. Good old age patina on both the blade and the Ivory pommel. Small repairs on the grip. No scabbard.

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

Provenance: Donated to the collection of John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection by the descendant of Brigadier General W.H. Sage.