Whatzit ??

Rick · 30th January 2006, 03:46 AM

I have a feeling from looking at the bid history that the high bidder really wanted it badly and was willing to pay quite a bit more .

Ian · 30th January 2006, 05:06 AM

The combination of elements suggests a Kachin origin but from outside the normal "homeland" area in NW Burma. The open-faced scabbard suggests Assam. The unusual guard suggests a Chinese influence, perhaps Yunnan. Kachin are found in both of these areas.

Ian.

Mark · 30th January 2006, 03:28 PM

There was another sword discussed a while ago that had almost identical decoration on the scabbard. I can't remember anything more about it, except that I had posted how unusual the wood carving was on the scabbard (which makes me think that someone thought it might be a dha or dha-like weapon). I am sure it was not this sword, as overall it does not look familiar. I don't have time to search the archives, but maybe someone else can look through my posts, or dha posts or something.

I have an Assam/Naga/Kachin dao that has an animal jaw like this one. I know too little about vertibate anatomy to say what is is. The canine is sort of flattened and has a slight ridge along the back side. I was thinking small cat or monkey, but that is just a guess.

Tim Simmons · 30th January 2006, 04:55 PM

I am sure it is not Tiger or Leopard, I have looked into this before. I would also agree that this example is not "old" but I to have seen this form in the past, some definitely pre ww2. One day I hope to snap one up. Tim

Battara · 30th January 2006, 07:45 PM

Ok...so....how old do you think it is?

Tim Simmons · 30th January 2006, 07:49 PM

1950-60s, I have a Thai dha like knife with a similar type of decoration on the blade. Tim

ariel · 30th January 2006, 07:54 PM

I go on a limb first: less than 20 if it was stored well, less than 2 if it was made for a tourist sale.
Several Forumites have already noticed a mix of features each of which is interesting per se, but does not much sense in combination. My main beef with it is that everything looks far too pristine. This baby did not see any action at all.
Just like those mass produced Mandaus on e-bay: nice woodcarving and mechanical blade.....

Battara · 31st January 2006, 12:48 AM

Thank you....one day (when I grow up

) I'll get a dha too...

30th January 2006, 03:46 AM	#1
Rick Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 6,347	I have a feeling from looking at the bid history that the high bidder really wanted it badly and was willing to pay quite a bit more .

30th January 2006, 05:06 AM	#2
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,453	The combination of elements suggests a Kachin origin but from outside the normal "homeland" area in NW Burma. The open-faced scabbard suggests Assam. The unusual guard suggests a Chinese influence, perhaps Yunnan. Kachin are found in both of these areas. Ian.

30th January 2006, 03:28 PM	#3
Mark Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 987	There was another sword discussed a while ago that had almost identical decoration on the scabbard. I can't remember anything more about it, except that I had posted how unusual the wood carving was on the scabbard (which makes me think that someone thought it might be a dha or dha-like weapon). I am sure it was not this sword, as overall it does not look familiar. I don't have time to search the archives, but maybe someone else can look through my posts, or dha posts or something. I have an Assam/Naga/Kachin dao that has an animal jaw like this one. I know too little about vertibate anatomy to say what is is. The canine is sort of flattened and has a slight ridge along the back side. I was thinking small cat or monkey, but that is just a guess.

30th January 2006, 04:55 PM	#4
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,875	I am sure it is not Tiger or Leopard, I have looked into this before. I would also agree that this example is not "old" but I to have seen this form in the past, some definitely pre ww2. One day I hope to snap one up. Tim

30th January 2006, 07:45 PM	#5
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,308	Ok...so....how old do you think it is?

30th January 2006, 07:49 PM	#6
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,875	1950-60s, I have a Thai dha like knife with a similar type of decoration on the blade. Tim

30th January 2006, 07:54 PM	#7
ariel Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Ann Arbor, MI Posts: 5,503	I go on a limb first: less than 20 if it was stored well, less than 2 if it was made for a tourist sale. Several Forumites have already noticed a mix of features each of which is interesting per se, but does not much sense in combination. My main beef with it is that everything looks far too pristine. This baby did not see any action at all. Just like those mass produced Mandaus on e-bay: nice woodcarving and mechanical blade.....

31st January 2006, 12:48 AM	#8
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,308	Thank you....one day (when I grow up ) I'll get a dha too...