This is a very rare Bird Head Sewar Dagger with a Crown & Floral Crest Bolster , Malay Tribe 19th century, Northern Sumatra. Note the solid and sturdy traditional folded forged blade, single sharped edge and a inward curving to end tips. Original sheath encased with silver and copper mounts. The dagger or Kris knife Handle was carved from wood in the shape a bayan bird head ( parrot head ) decorated with typical malay floral motifs. Such ornate craftsmanship indicated the owner was likely nobility or of a high social status. The Keris / Dagger measures 12.75 inches long in sheath. Provenance: from the estate of Paul and Louise Bernheimer family, Harvard Square, Cambridge, MA / Bernheimer's Antique Arts, 1963 to 1992.

Good, well handled