Nobility Dha with Questions

Ian · 7th April 2017, 10:19 AM

Hi Jose,

That's a good quality blade which is probably about the same age as the fittings. Your sword was likely intended for a sawbwa (local leader) originally. As I noted above, this is a prestigious sword for show and not for use. The delicate ivory hilt would likely split from the percussive forces when being used as a weapon.

It's a pity about the edge damage. As Kubar notes, it is hard to know exactly how it occurred. Many of these high quality swords were taken back to England by wealthy travelers, British officials and plantation owners, etc. during the colonial period of Burmese history. Many of the Burmese dha that come on the market are from the estates of these folks and their descendants. Such swords were, indeed, subject to damage from kids getting hold of them and trying to cut all sorts of things. Some nice kukhris and Indian swords suffered a similar fate. English dealers refer to such damaged items as having been "kidded." We may never know if your sword suffered this form of abuse, but it's possible.

I like your dha a lot. Its silver work is very good and typical of Shan work.

Ian.

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7th April 2017, 10:19 AM	#7
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,397	Hi Jose, That's a good quality blade which is probably about the same age as the fittings. Your sword was likely intended for a sawbwa (local leader) originally. As I noted above, this is a prestigious sword for show and not for use. The delicate ivory hilt would likely split from the percussive forces when being used as a weapon. It's a pity about the edge damage. As Kubar notes, it is hard to know exactly how it occurred. Many of these high quality swords were taken back to England by wealthy travelers, British officials and plantation owners, etc. during the colonial period of Burmese history. Many of the Burmese dha that come on the market are from the estates of these folks and their descendants. Such swords were, indeed, subject to damage from kids getting hold of them and trying to cut all sorts of things. Some nice kukhris and Indian swords suffered a similar fate. English dealers refer to such damaged items as having been "kidded." We may never know if your sword suffered this form of abuse, but it's possible. I like your dha a lot. Its silver work is very good and typical of Shan work. Ian.