Ethnographic Arms & Armour - View Single Post

Ian · 1st March 2006, 02:47 PM

Hi Graeme:

Sorry to be coming to this one a little late. I agree with much of what has been already said. The blade is of a Shan style, slightly curved and pointed, but without the sharply angled tip of the "Montagnard" syle. Nor is the handle quite as long as most Montagnard examples, where the ratio of handle to blade length can be 1:1 or greater. While talking about handle length, this would be an unusually long hilt for a Burmese dha.

So that pretty much leaves a Thai origin, probably northern Thai. Long handles have been seen on Thai dharb for more than 200 years. A type of long handled dharb were used by Thai cavalry, and one could see the advantage of a long sword when mounted. Long handled dharb were also used by foot troops, and the long handle may have been important for balancing the sword in the hand. Krabi krabong martial arts styles still use relatively long handled dharb, but they are grasped low on the hilt, close to the blade.

My best guess on age would be mid-20th C., perhaps a little earlier, based on the materials used in the hilt, and it seems that both the brass and the wood on the hilt may have been turned on a lathe.

As far as value, we don't provide evaluations here. But it is not uncommon to see well made Thai dharb, even those made recently, selling for over $200. I think you have a well made dharb, so you probably did pretty well on the price.

Regards,

Ian.

1st March 2006, 02:47 PM	#7
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,361	Probably N. Thai Hi Graeme: Sorry to be coming to this one a little late. I agree with much of what has been already said. The blade is of a Shan style, slightly curved and pointed, but without the sharply angled tip of the "Montagnard" syle. Nor is the handle quite as long as most Montagnard examples, where the ratio of handle to blade length can be 1:1 or greater. While talking about handle length, this would be an unusually long hilt for a Burmese dha. So that pretty much leaves a Thai origin, probably northern Thai. Long handles have been seen on Thai dharb for more than 200 years. A type of long handled dharb were used by Thai cavalry, and one could see the advantage of a long sword when mounted. Long handled dharb were also used by foot troops, and the long handle may have been important for balancing the sword in the hand. Krabi krabong martial arts styles still use relatively long handled dharb, but they are grasped low on the hilt, close to the blade. My best guess on age would be mid-20th C., perhaps a little earlier, based on the materials used in the hilt, and it seems that both the brass and the wood on the hilt may have been turned on a lathe. As far as value, we don't provide evaluations here. But it is not uncommon to see well made Thai dharb, even those made recently, selling for over $200. I think you have a well made dharb, so you probably did pretty well on the price. Regards, Ian.