Interesting sword, particularly with the provenance. Looks like the blade is laminated, so I'm inclined to believe this is of higher quality than substantially similar examples I've seen.
I agree this is likely of northern Thai manufacture (perhaps even by a Laotian maker). The repousse work is interesting, but (in my personal opinion only) not particularly well executed.
Mid-late 20th manufacture (contemporary to the time given as a gift). By that time, such swords were not really in regular use as weapons or regalia in urban, sophisticated circles, so I agree a more typical gift would be a western-style saber with Thai royal motifs.
Not a "tourist" weapon, but not an antique either. Probably manufactured specifically to be given as a royal gift.
Best,
Andrew
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