Javanese larbido

A version of the Visayan talibon, the traditional weapon of the Philippines. Hand hammered and hand filed blade 1/4" thick at the base of the spine, tapering down to a nice sharp point. Deep bellied blade, hardwood handle and sheath bound with rattan strips. The sheath unfortunately wasn't as hardwood as it needed to be, the last third of one side is missing and it's rather fragile. The unusual handle shape and Donn Draeger's "The weapons and fighting arts of Indonesia" identify this particular style of weapon as originating from Java. A nice solid knife, circa late 18 or early 1900's.

length: 16 1/2"
blade: 12"
blade width: 1 1/4" max
grip: 4 1/2"