An Interesting Old Dha Dagger

CharlesS · 14th April 2011, 10:54 PM

I recently picked up this little dha dagger. It's 12.5in. overall, with a 9in. blade of typical form.

The carved ivory elephant pommel struck me as somewhat unique....not the typical human forms and fine pierced or non-pierced foliage. Note the dark horn bolster and brass ferrule. The blade bears a familar sunburst typical to some dha blades.

Does anyone recognise the symbol on the elephant's back...very curious.

Nathaniel · 15th April 2011, 12:49 AM

Charles, Interesting piece...the simple brass fittings remind me of of those I've seen on Burmese scabbards. The fitting on the handle reminds me of a Indonesian Kelwang, but that doesn't mean anything just a side comment. Love pieces with makers mark and your right you see this marking on a few different pieces...from different places...Northern Thai...Yunnan, Laos. The marking on the back of the elephant figure handle I think is a Yant/ Yantra:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yantra_tattooing

14th April 2011, 10:54 PM	#1
CharlesS Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Greenville, NC Posts: 1,857	An Interesting Old Dha Dagger I recently picked up this little dha dagger. It's 12.5in. overall, with a 9in. blade of typical form. The carved ivory elephant pommel struck me as somewhat unique....not the typical human forms and fine pierced or non-pierced foliage. Note the dark horn bolster and brass ferrule. The blade bears a familar sunburst typical to some dha blades. Does anyone recognise the symbol on the elephant's back...very curious. Attached Images

15th April 2011, 12:49 AM	#2
Nathaniel Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 865	Charles, Interesting piece...the simple brass fittings remind me of of those I've seen on Burmese scabbards. The fitting on the handle reminds me of a Indonesian Kelwang, but that doesn't mean anything just a side comment. Love pieces with makers mark and your right you see this marking on a few different pieces...from different places...Northern Thai...Yunnan, Laos. The marking on the back of the elephant figure handle I think is a Yant/ Yantra: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yantra_tattooing