Fine Pedang I Sword with Gold Crown. Sumatra

The long sword known as Pedang type I from Sumatra shows  clear influence from the Indian subcontinent and usually employs long European blade.  The Sumatran warriors prefer shorter heavier swords for combat hence the Pedang I is regarded  mostly as a ceremonial sword.

The Pedang I sword offered here is a very fine exemplar. A saber blade, Probably a trade blade from Europe.  Engraved steel basket hilt with down pointing langets. The grip is tightly bound with woven  silver wire and the pommel crown is gold, set with small stones (Rough diamonds ?)

Blade 31 inches. Total length 36 inches. Very good condition. No scabbard.

Provenance: Collection of a Dutch noble family. Brought back to the Netherlands by an officer in the former Dutch-Indies between 1902-1912, and later in Sabang (Sumatra) 1912-1928.

For similar swords see: A.G. Van Zonneveld, ” Traditional Weapons of the Indonesian Archipelago”,  Page 101.