What is this small sword????????
 

Someone suggested it was from Thailand, Burma or ??, please help me identify this one. Also forgive me if the writing is upside down.

It is 27 5/8" long or 70 cm and look too good to me to be of the tourist kind.

Thank you in advance. ;)

Looks like a european court sabre. Maybe it was made as a result of those influences?

The three headed elephant is 'Airavata' and is associated with (the mount of) Lord Indra.
But the form that it appears on your sword, it looks like the depiction on the flag of Laos.
I'd say its following the european small sword (court sword probobly in this case) influence but definately not European.
Laos, Thailand.. I wouldn't think India as it just doesn't 'feel' Indian.
Look at the architectural pommel and the hanging 'bells' looks like SEA work.

Most likely Lao (based on a European style, of course). The trhree-headed elephant is a Laotian royal symbol, and on the Laotian Royal flag.

Just wanted to add, I think its very nice! Would look good in my own collection ;)

Hi,
This is almost certainly a Court Sword in the European style with decoration in regional taste, which region I don't know. There is no reason to assume that this sword was locally made it may well have been made by one of many European cutlers to local specifications. Wilkinson in the U.K. for example made many sword patterns for foreign governments and individuals e.g. Ethiopia.
Regards,
Norman.

P.S. Upon reflection, Siam or Burma would seem the most likely.

Thank you so very much to Henk, Atlantia, Mark and Norman for the information, I certainly agree with the suggestion it is a European Style Court sword and SEA, the three headed elephant points to Laos (thanks for the flag photo)
I don't know how long Laos have been using the motiv in their flag or as a national emblem. The reason I mention this is to try to establish an age to the sword.
If we have one of our members who can read the writing on the sword, it might also be a clue as to its age.
Again,
Thank you :)

There is also a three headed elephant in Thailand:
http://www.thai-blogs.com/index.php/...lephant?blog=5

Well...first the inscription is upside down:
http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s...nscription.jpg

I am sorry the photo was upside down, I will try again :o

Thank you very much Nathaniel.
This being written in the Thai language would indicate it may be a Thai court sword, unless they use the same written language in Laos. Excuse my ignorance in these matters. :o
I did a quick search on google to no avail, have you or do you know of this store in Thailand, is it still existing or closed down many years ago.
Any help you or other members may be able to provide will be highly appreciated.
Thank you,
Erik

Here is a comparison in between the Thai & Lao languages.

http://www.thailao.net/both_languages.htm

Similar, yet different.

My Thai friend said they have never heard of this department store in their 30 years living there...

Of course this sword would obviously be older than 30 years...so your right in that it could have closed down years ago. The prominence of European style swords in the Thai court during the reign of King Rama V which was during the late 1868-1910. Perhaps the inscription is who this sword was presented to?

The sword is part of Thai government official dress code during the reign of King Rama V.

The acid-etched inscription is "John Samson and son limited" which is a branch of british "Messr. Sam & Sampson & Son", an elegant dress shoes leatherware and saddle tailer on Bond street, London.

The shop first open in Bangkok was in 1898 by Frederick Sampson. Their business was good until at least 1926.

The three-heads elephant is a part of Siam's coat of arm as you may notice here
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedi...910%29.svg.png

The elephant symbol was also used as one of the national emblem during the reign of king Rama IV-VI
This is an example of symbol on 1 baht Thai coin

http://www.tammahakin.com/cat/OLD/img/OLD0001630_2.jpg
http://www.tammahakin.com/cat/OLD/img/OLD0001630_1.jpg