Printed from Woolley & Wallis

Description

An Indonesian dagger (kris), flamboyant blade 13.5 in., carved wooden garuda type hilt, the wooden scabbard with a label: "This Dagger or Malayan Crese, was among the curiosities in the Armoury at Stowe House, and was purchased at the sale there in Augt. 1847 [sic]. Caution:- it is probably poisoned."

The auction of objects from the collection at Stowe House actually took place over two months in 1848, and was conducted by Christie and Manson. The catalogue contains only one lot that might correspond with this kris: lot 264 on the 22nd day of the sale (the 13th September), which consisted of "A yataghan; two creses; a dagger; and an iron flute." The lot was bought for £4/4s. by Mr Harrison of Buckingham, who was apparently not deterred by the thought of poison.