Description

A Sumatran saber with what appears to be an M1905-type Dutch military "klewang" blade. These were large sabers with clipped tips that were used by the Navy and the Royal Netherlands East Indies Army (K.N.I.L.), normally fitted with a European style closed guard. The type of sword was first produced for the Dutch troops in Solingen, Germany from 1898. In 1905, the first models were produced in Hembrug, an arms factory in Zaandam, near Amsterdam.

They were used in large numbers during the Aceh Wars (1873–1924) and remained in use all the way into the Second world war. This blade was possibly captured from the Dutch and re-hilted in the local style. It is fitted with a sturdy iron guard in quasi-European style, an iron ferrule. The large wooden grip reminds of the Sumatran parang betino, with similar floral work and ribbed grip section.

Blade in very good shape, with no edge damage, etc. Only superficial tarnishing of the steel, no significant pitting. Hilt is tight.