A beautiful Burmese dha dated 1798

[Ian]

Originally Posted by Gavin Nugent

If this hilt is as I feel it is, a much later addition by Thai craftsmen it would be appropriate to say the form is Rahu as it is more often known in their iconography.
If by some miracle, this is a true marriage if hilt and blade, with regards to the iconography throughout the sword type, it should be a representation of Balu.

Gavin

Hi Gavin:

I think you mean "Belu" rather than "Balu." Balu (Baloo) is the cuddly bear character from "The Jungle Book."

Ian.