Two Lao(?) pieces

[Ian]

These two came together in a rather inexpensive package deal.

The top one is an old daab, probably 19th C., that has been heavily lacquered on the hilt and scabbard. The hilt has several rattan strips under the lacquer, and one or two areas of red paint showing through. The blade has a rounded end and is fairly narrow for dha/daab (with a maximum width of only 1.0 inch about 3 inches from the tip). It has an obviously hardened edge and numerous small edge nicks (see pics).

OAL in scabbard = 27.25 inches
OAL = 25.75 inches
Hilt = 7.5 inches

The second one is a large knife, short sword. The crudely carved wooden hilt features prominently painted red segments, and there is some red also on the scabbard. This one is likely from the first half of the 20th C., probably 1930s era.

OAL in scabbard = 21 inches
OAL = 19 inches
Hilt = 7 inches

After discussing these with a couple of folks, it was concluded that they are most likely of N.Thai/Lao manufacture. The red paint on the hilts favors a Lao origin.

Ian.