Lao Dha/daab

Iain · 30th July 2025, 01:57 PM

The so called turtle mark is generally common around Lampang and the surrounding areas and dates back to the 19th century as far as is generally known. You don't see as many of them in western collections but there are plenty of very nicely made blades showing it in Thai collections. As I've mentioned before on this thread, all dha/daab need to be judged based on all their attributes and not on a single blade mark or any other attribute. Does that mean you won't find that mark on much later swords? Of course not, but it is in no way a 'tourist' marking.

From Lampang the mark and/or blades seems to have been traded across the wider region and you see examples in Lao silver dress as Detlef as kindly posted an example of.

Keep in mind that handles, pommels and other fittings could and would be changed and refreshed during the working life of a sword. This is still common practice in the region and considered acceptable in local collecting circles to carry out quite extensive restorations.

I'd be happy to share some more resources on these swords as there are collectors in Thailand who specialize in these types, but these will of course be Thai language.

30th July 2025, 01:57 PM	#1
Iain Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Olomouc Posts: 1,719	The so called turtle mark is generally common around Lampang and the surrounding areas and dates back to the 19th century as far as is generally known. You don't see as many of them in western collections but there are plenty of very nicely made blades showing it in Thai collections. As I've mentioned before on this thread, all dha/daab need to be judged based on all their attributes and not on a single blade mark or any other attribute. Does that mean you won't find that mark on much later swords? Of course not, but it is in no way a 'tourist' marking. From Lampang the mark and/or blades seems to have been traded across the wider region and you see examples in Lao silver dress as Detlef as kindly posted an example of. Keep in mind that handles, pommels and other fittings could and would be changed and refreshed during the working life of a sword. This is still common practice in the region and considered acceptable in local collecting circles to carry out quite extensive restorations. I'd be happy to share some more resources on these swords as there are collectors in Thailand who specialize in these types, but these will of course be Thai language.