Very rare and early, late 17c. Keris dagger from Bantam, North Java

Very fine and rare Java keris dagger from Bantam, North West Java. Straight blade of flat diamond cross section, partially fullered. Very fine high contrast pamor structure. Highly polished black wood handle in the form of a devil. Classical shaped silver mendak.  One piece scabbard made from grained wood.

The style of hilt, and particularly the shape of the one piece scabbard made from fine grained wood dates the piece to the late 17th century (Private correspondence with Mr. Robert Hales).

Blade 15 1/2 inches(40cm). Total length 19 1/2 inches (50 cm). Next to perfect condition.

Provenance: Mr. Robert Hales collection.

Price: On request