Dha ... Shan ? Northern Thailand ?

katana · 20th July 2008, 10:25 PM

Acquired another Dha

The spine is chamfered and is approx. 7mm thick. OAL is 25.5 inches (approx 63 cms) The blade is 16.75 inches (approx. 42 cms). Handle seems to have lost some of its 'fittings' and is wrapped with plaited rattan. The blade is described as being 'extremely sharp'. The blade tip seems unusual to me (but then my knowledge on these is limited).

All comments and information gratefully received, thank you

Regards David

Andrew · 20th July 2008, 10:35 PM

Northern Thai or Laos would be correct, David. The longish handle and vestigial guard lead me to think this.

That tip is unusually shaped, and a bit crudely executed. The handle is likely original, as I would expect to see a sword of this appearance to have a rattan-wrapped handle.

RhysMichael · 20th July 2008, 10:52 PM

I'd like to see a better picture of the tip. I get the impression it may have initially had a different shape, maybe rounded. the spine makes me think of a better made blade than the rough look of the tip in the picture would suggest

katana · 20th July 2008, 11:16 PM

Thank you Andrew and RhysMichael for the rapid replies

These are the sellers pictures and I am awaiting delivery so cannot provide better pictures at this moment. The seller was suggesting late 19thC ...I think that alittle 'optimistic'

Is it more likely early 20th.
The marks on the blade near the hilt ... remind me of 'file' made blades, is that possible ??

Regards David

RhysMichael · 21st July 2008, 12:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by katana

The marks on the blade near the hilt ... remind me of 'file' made blades, is that possible ??

Regards David

I saw the marks you are talking about but with the shape of the spine and length of the sword I would not think so. I always thought files were used for short blades made by stock removal not longer forged blades but I could be wrong.

katana · 22nd July 2008, 04:17 PM

Arrived today ... and the blade seems to have some quality

The 'triangulated' tip has been there for a very long time ....I would not be surprised if it was forged this way. The blade looks to be laminated ...but could be an effect of the patina. There also seems to be some very faint decorative etching that has rubbed badly. Nicely balanced, the blade has been waxed, there are areas of 'micro pitting' / staining and the overall patination suggests to me that, indeed this could be 19thC. There are a few chips to the blade...but these appear to be old (magnifying glass) The rattan handle is 22cms long, the pommel capping is missing, but two small nail holes are visible in the end section, so I believe it was not altered. The blade is not central to the handle it is situated slightly to the right (as you look down at it) approx 3-4 mm out. This seems deliberate as the blade is 'square and straight' in relation to the handle.

A 'magnet. test shows that the tang is just over 3.5" long.

Regards David

Andrew · 22nd July 2008, 04:43 PM

Nice! I rather like the tip on that one now that you've shown us some close-ups. An unusual variation, David.

20th July 2008, 10:25 PM	#1
katana Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Kent Posts: 2,653	Dha ... Shan ? Northern Thailand ? Acquired another Dha The spine is chamfered and is approx. 7mm thick. OAL is 25.5 inches (approx 63 cms) The blade is 16.75 inches (approx. 42 cms). Handle seems to have lost some of its 'fittings' and is wrapped with plaited rattan. The blade is described as being 'extremely sharp'. The blade tip seems unusual to me (but then my knowledge on these is limited). All comments and information gratefully received, thank you Regards David Attached Images

22nd July 2008, 04:17 PM	#6
katana Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Kent Posts: 2,653	Arrived today ... and the blade seems to have some quality The 'triangulated' tip has been there for a very long time ....I would not be surprised if it was forged this way. The blade looks to be laminated ...but could be an effect of the patina. There also seems to be some very faint decorative etching that has rubbed badly. Nicely balanced, the blade has been waxed, there are areas of 'micro pitting' / staining and the overall patination suggests to me that, indeed this could be 19thC. There are a few chips to the blade...but these appear to be old (magnifying glass) The rattan handle is 22cms long, the pommel capping is missing, but two small nail holes are visible in the end section, so I believe it was not altered. The blade is not central to the handle it is situated slightly to the right (as you look down at it) approx 3-4 mm out. This seems deliberate as the blade is 'square and straight' in relation to the handle. A 'magnet. test shows that the tang is just over 3.5" long. Regards David Attached Images

20th July 2008, 10:35 PM	#2
Andrew Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: USA Posts: 1,725	Northern Thai or Laos would be correct, David. The longish handle and vestigial guard lead me to think this. That tip is unusually shaped, and a bit crudely executed. The handle is likely original, as I would expect to see a sword of this appearance to have a rattan-wrapped handle.

20th July 2008, 10:52 PM	#3
RhysMichael Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Virginia Posts: 520	I'd like to see a better picture of the tip. I get the impression it may have initially had a different shape, maybe rounded. the spine makes me think of a better made blade than the rough look of the tip in the picture would suggest

20th July 2008, 11:16 PM	#4
katana Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Kent Posts: 2,653	Thank you Andrew and RhysMichael for the rapid replies These are the sellers pictures and I am awaiting delivery so cannot provide better pictures at this moment. The seller was suggesting late 19thC ...I think that alittle 'optimistic' Is it more likely early 20th. The marks on the blade near the hilt ... remind me of 'file' made blades, is that possible ?? Regards David

22nd July 2008, 04:43 PM	#7
Andrew Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: USA Posts: 1,725	Nice! I rather like the tip on that one now that you've shown us some close-ups. An unusual variation, David.