Copper Bladed Mak

Battara · 19th April 2006, 07:26 PM

Mark,

with this mak (the knife

) are the rings on it silver? This may add a dimension to the debate of ceremonial or not.

Mark · 20th April 2006, 12:02 AM

Hopefully Andrew can answer the question of the ring metal (I wish it were mine, but its his

).

I found the reference to use of talismans in Thailand (it's in a catalogue written by Khun Nattapat for a museum exhibition several years ago), but it doesn't specify anything about which particular metals were used as talismans. So, nothing new on what significance the copper might have.

Andrew · 20th April 2006, 03:20 AM

I'll take another look tomorrow, but I don't think the plate at the base of the blade and the bands are silver. They seem like more recent additions and do not reflect the same quality as the handle and blade. The base plate may be a repair, as damage to the wood handle in this area from the tang seems likely.

Andrew · 7th December 2006, 05:45 AM

Better a late response than never.

The plate and bands appear to be aluminum, and not original. I believe the plate was added to repair damage to the wood at the base of the blade, but haven't removed it to check.

The blade itself is heavy and substantial.

Tim Simmons · 7th December 2006, 05:38 PM

Judging from the picture this must be an object of some importance. The wood halft show age and care in manufacture. I would think most nonferrous weapons are pretty good to stab with. They will cut is true but I do not think one would cut with this mak, unless you really had to. If it was held as special in the original context, it may be quite old and repairs would be carried out as and when required. I would not fancy being bludgeoned with for sure.

Battara · 7th December 2006, 11:14 PM

Taking another look at this puppy, I would not say bronze or brass but copper -

and BTW - actually brass is stronger (and thus more brittle) than bronze. I'm still thinking this is ceremonial.

19th April 2006, 07:26 PM	#1
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,363	Mark, with this mak (the knife ) are the rings on it silver? This may add a dimension to the debate of ceremonial or not.

20th April 2006, 12:02 AM	#2
Mark Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 987	Hopefully Andrew can answer the question of the ring metal (I wish it were mine, but its his ). I found the reference to use of talismans in Thailand (it's in a catalogue written by Khun Nattapat for a museum exhibition several years ago), but it doesn't specify anything about which particular metals were used as talismans. So, nothing new on what significance the copper might have.

20th April 2006, 03:20 AM	#3
Andrew Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: USA Posts: 1,725	I'll take another look tomorrow, but I don't think the plate at the base of the blade and the bands are silver. They seem like more recent additions and do not reflect the same quality as the handle and blade. The base plate may be a repair, as damage to the wood handle in this area from the tang seems likely.

7th December 2006, 05:45 AM	#4
Andrew Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: USA Posts: 1,725	Better a late response than never. The plate and bands appear to be aluminum, and not original. I believe the plate was added to repair damage to the wood at the base of the blade, but haven't removed it to check. The blade itself is heavy and substantial.

7th December 2006, 05:38 PM	#5
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,937	Judging from the picture this must be an object of some importance. The wood halft show age and care in manufacture. I would think most nonferrous weapons are pretty good to stab with. They will cut is true but I do not think one would cut with this mak, unless you really had to. If it was held as special in the original context, it may be quite old and repairs would be carried out as and when required. I would not fancy being bludgeoned with for sure.

7th December 2006, 11:14 PM	#6
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,363	Taking another look at this puppy, I would not say bronze or brass but copper - and BTW - actually brass is stronger (and thus more brittle) than bronze. I'm still thinking this is ceremonial.