Unusual dha/dao for comment, Yunnan, Dai, HuSa?
 

With the great and kind help of a forum member I was able to acquire this unusual dha like sword, I would call it dao. I think that it is from Yunnan but unsure about the exact origin. Is it another HuSa dao or a Dai dao? Or I am complete wrong? All comments are very welcome.

beautiful! and is that some kind of lotus mark? I have never seen one like it! definitely near china in my mind though. ( so you are probably right)

I was watching this one, great catch!

Thank you Gehazi,
there was once a thread about blade markings but can't find it in the moment. When I remember correct it's called sunburst mark but this marks are somtimes different, can't remember to have seen one exactly like this.

Regards,
Detlef

Thank you Russel! :)

Here is the thread about blade marks: http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=5753

Sajen:

I have a dha in the Kachin style that I purchased from Philip Tom several years ago that has the same lobulated form of guard with a similar three-part Burmese style hilt. Clearly a Chinese influence and likely from Yunnan.

Ian.

Certainly Husa Achang.

Although not high res, a similar mark can be seen here;
http://www.chinaculture.org/gb/en_wh...tent_88094.htm

Here is one of mine in post 9 with the same guard and a blade with a spine thickness of 3/4 of a inch thick at the guard face and 11/16th at the guards edge.
http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showpo...59&postcount=9

Gavin

Thank you both for confirming my guess! :)

Regards,
Detlef

Detlef,

This one just looks like it has a wicked balance and weight. How does it handle?

Hello Charles,
I don't have it here in Germany, it's still by the very kind forum member who have given me the great help to acquire it. Maybe he can comment in this matter!?

Regards,
Detlef

Unfortunately because of physical limitations I cannot give a truly accurate description of how it handles, but will do the best that I can. As I am really not used to handling this style of sword and with the POB being 5-1/2" from the guard it seems a bit point heavy to me when being used one-handed. With a two handed grip it is a completely different matter and handles beautifully feeling very light and fast. I hope that my poor description helps to answer Charles questions.

Best,
Robert

Thank you very much Robert. :)

Best regards,
Detlef

Very nice daab, Sajen, thanks for sharing! Love to see the variety/ mix :)

This is a thread I had started a while back which deals more specifically with daab/darb/dha makers marks :)

http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=8651

I remember too Charles had posted one with a similar handle and guard.

http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=16341

Thank you Nathaniel. Also for the link, the mark in post #5 from Mark seem to be the same as by mine.

Regards,
Detlef

Thank you again, indeed very similar. :)

Regards,
Detlef

Just want to show the restored scabbard. Robert has done a great job. He has closed a big split in the wood and has worked new fittings for the scabbard. Now this dao look great again. :)

Spectacular restoration, particularly the silver fittings!

Very nice restoration Detlef. It is an interesting cross-cultural mix. I managed to find pictures of my example. It is number 3 in the group below. This one has a squared-off end of the blade, in the Kachin style, but no marks to help identify the maker.

Ian.

Beautiful dha ;the best attributes from many cultures !

Hello Russel,

the compliment has to go to Robert who has done this great job. The fittings are not from silver but from brass silver washed to correspond with the handle.

Regards,
Detlef

Hello Ian,

like said, the compliment has to go to Robert. Thank you for posting your nice example. I am a little bit unsure if this marks can be attributed to a special maker. :shrug:

Regards,
Detlef

Thank you as well. :) I am very happy to be the current owner of this nice piece and that I was able to give it the attention it has missed for some time.

Regards,
Detlef

Hello Detlef,

Yes my compliment was intended for Robert - outstanding and impressive work (as always). And congratulations to you on acquiring such an interesting item.

Cheers, Russel

Beautiful restoration....such an interesting piece!

Thank you Charles! :)

Would like to share some pictures of the full restored sword. After Robert has done such a great work on the scabbard now Roland have polished and etched the blade, a great thank to him. The blade shows a beautiful lamination. Enjoy the pictures.

And here a scan picture of both sides of the blade where you can see also in up the construction of the tip from the blade.

Lovely etching of the blade to show a very active pattern. Kudos to Roland and Robert for the restoration work. Very interesting cross-cultural dha.

Ian