Photo request...Burmese Trident at Royal Armouries, Leeds
 

Hello all,

I recently came across this fantastic example under the Wikipedia description for Trident.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Tr...th_century.JPG

Description reads:

"This group of spears has examples of very fine Burmese decoration, the butts and ferrules overlaid with silver gilt, the heads chiselled and gilt. Each individual blade was provided with a lacquered scabbard."

I was wondering if any of our members are near Leeds or if visiting could take (if permitted) some more photos of the display as the description reads "group of spears". I'm sure we would be interesting to all to see :) It's very exciting to find because as I've brought up before it is quite puzzling how come we do not see clear examples of Burmese polearms (excluding Naga Spears), given the great number of British colonial bring backs of Burmese swords & knives.

Also if any other Burmese or Thai weapons, I love to see pictures of them as well!!

Many thanks in advanced!

Nathaniel

What a freak show! An amazing piece! :eek:

If no one responds, thank you for posting at least this picture.

What about sending them an email?? http://www.royalarmouries.org/contact-us
Stu

Burma
 

Hi Nathaniel,

A great post, thanks!

It seems most studio shots known shows Naga spears in the hands of Shan warriors. An avenue I have not explored but would like to know more about the trade or raid of the regions and tribes.

Perhaps you can post your wonderful old spears too :-)

Gav

Dear Nathaniel,

I have taken pictures of all of the cabinets in the Oriental gallery, and have been systematically publishing them on my blog. I haven't had chance to show the ones you mention on my site, so here they are. Email me for bigger images if you need them.

Regards,
Runjeet

Oo can we have some more please sir.....?

Thank you for sharing! :) Do you have a close up from the dha handle, first picture on the complete right? Seems quite amazing. :eek:

Nice photos Runjeet.

It has been shown and discussed within these pages before, I'll see if I can find the link.

Edit; Here you go;

http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...t=burmese+hilt

Gav

Wow, Wow, Wow! Thank you very very much Runjeet Singh for sharing these photos! Magnificent!

I even see a weapon I have never seen before!!!!! The one with the long handle and short blade and square tip...it appears by the image discription below to be listed as the Sithaba(hu?) Sword. When I look up Sithabahu all I can find is a reference to Sri Lanka: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sinhabahu

And also I had mentioned how we've seen Naga Spears but not other Burmese spears...here is a Naga spear for refer:

http://www.swordsantiqueweapons.com/s769_full.html

Thank you Gavin! Beautiful handle. :)

Here's one in period photo context with a Shan warrior and another with a spear more typical of those seen in the etching provided above.

Gav

It looks like an exotic Burmese made Naga Dao/chopper, the long handled types often seen with goat hair but in a very refined manner.

Gav

Excellent thought Gavin. That is definitely not too far of a stretch of the mind
http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?p=66331

This straight blade chopper also reminds me if one if Charles S earlier threads and a straight square chopper he had: http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=6204

Hopefully the link Gav has posted has somewhat satisfied the need for the close up on the very unusual Dha hilt. Sorry I don't have any close ups, but I will endeavour to do so next time I am nearby.

Regards,
Runjeet

Perhaps more of a derivation of the Mak, but this is another piece that came to mind when thinking about the Sithabahu Sword

http://www.arscives.com/historysteel....swordlist.htm

267
Short pole arm. Northern Thailand. Late 19th Century.
Heavy blade with inserted hardened edge, and brass inserts along the spine of the blade and on each face. Inscribed line decorations on the blade typical of North Thai or Lao work. Handle is bamboo with metal ferrule. No scabbard.

Overall length: 75.5 cm
Blade length: 24 cm
Handle length: 51.5 cm