Lao Dha/daab

[Marc M.]

Originally Posted by Ian

Hi Marc,

That one looks in pretty rough rough shape but it might clean up well. It needs a good clean to assess the hilt more clearly and the blade too. I think I see some areas of delamination of the blade—is that the case? I agree that it is a daab, probably Lao, 19th C.

Iain will give you a more definitive answer.

Hi Ian
Thanks for your response, the handle is indeed in a rough state. I have tried to polish the metal but with little result.The remaining metal is quite brittle, especially at the pommel.Where the metal is gone there is a hard material, looks like some kind of resin, a bit strange.The blade has some flaws in the steel probably due to impurities during melting, probably native steel.
Regards.
Marc