Staying on the Japanese Theme: Japanese Trade Blades in SE Asia

[Andrew]

Originally Posted by DhaDha

Great swords! Really.
This is why i try not to go on record dating these things. My own opinion changes often. That said, I do feel this one be older than that estimation. But maybe a bit younger than mine. There is at least one example in the National Museum in Bangkok with a Japanese-styled silver handle attributed to the Ayutthaya period. With so many different styles of swords worn by so my different groups, I have a hard time with hard rules...

Thanks.

Can't really argue with you too strenuously--my opinions on these change as well, and truly old Thai swords with reliable, documented provenance are scarce.

I will observe, however, that rattan (and other similar organic materials) like that on the handle of the top sword, does not generally survive in such good condition on swords that are 300+ years old...