Ethnographic Arms & Armour
 

Go Back   Ethnographic Arms & Armour > Discussion Forums > Ethnographic Weapons
FAQ Calendar Today's Posts Search

 
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
Prev Previous Post   Next Post Next
Old 11th August 2015, 06:58 PM   #1
M ELEY
Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: NC, U.S.A.
Posts: 2,089
Default A Chinese dau

I saved this old sword from a terrible fate! Some non-Phi Beta Kappa had steel welded it to a dumbbell weight, so that it stood up as an 'object de art'. With the help of a dremil tool, steel saw and chisel, I returned to to an 'object de war'! Iron ring pommel is an extension of the tang looped around. Hilt was flat with no holes. I padded and wrapped the hilt in old hemp, in a rebellious 'pirate styling' of the back country. Nicer examples have silk lace.

Interestingly, you will see laminated metal used in this blade. I used the classic pineapple juice and later vinegar treatment to remove the blackened/brown rust. Looking through about a hundred old sword catalogs, I did find one of a similar shape with patterned iron in an Fagan catalog. They were of the opinion that it must have come from the southern border, near Tibet/Bhutan? This could explain the pattern welding, if that is what this is?! No expert on such. Any opinions out there on this?

Although most of the ring hilts were two-handed beheaders (dadau), mine isn't nearly that large at 29" (21" blade). What would mine be classified as? Did the blade shape help classify these?

Purpose for the ring on these? I've heard for tassels, bells and from one online site that said they were to be used to create a rattling sound for intimidation?

How old? I would assume pre-Boxer, as the ring is iron and not brass/bronze and the patina was dark.
Attached Images
    

Last edited by M ELEY; 11th August 2015 at 10:38 PM.
M ELEY is offline   Reply With Quote
 


Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump


All times are GMT +1. The time now is 06:43 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
Posts are regarded as being copyrighted by their authors and the act of posting material is deemed to be a granting of an irrevocable nonexclusive license for display here.