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Old 7th May 2008, 12:03 PM   #1
PUFF
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I happen to have an example of executioner 's sword.
It 's the 3rd one from top. The sword was used by an executioner 100-150 years ago in central Thailand. It was kept by his family and then transfer to a collector.
By handling, it 's a little heavier than ordinary type. It could be because of that its POB 's a bit toward the tip. My feeling 's the sword 's definitely made for hacking job.

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Old 8th May 2008, 05:10 AM   #2
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Quote:
Originally Posted by PUFF
I happen to have an example of executioner 's sword.
It 's the 3rd one from top. The sword was used by an executioner 100-150 years ago in central Thailand. It was kept by his family and then transfer to a collector.
By handling, it 's a little heavier than ordinary type. It could be because of that its POB 's a bit toward the tip. My feeling 's the sword 's definitely made for hacking job.

Thanks Puff,
Unfortunately I have not receuived the item yet so can't comment on the balance. Blade shape appears similar to your executioners dha. I will comment further when it arrives.R
Regards Stuart
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Old 8th May 2008, 06:30 PM   #3
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Those two make a nice pair, Stuart. The pommel and decoration have a Lanna/Laotian flavor to them - smaller pommel, chased/repouseed metalwork, somewhat bolder patterns. Perhaps they are from further east than what I typically refer to as "Shan" territory. If so, they make a nice stylistic transition from the western Tai (Shan) styles to the more eastern Tai Yuan styles. Perhaps PUFF can offer more insight on this.
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Old 8th May 2008, 07:42 PM   #4
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Originally Posted by Mark
Those two make a nice pair, Stuart. The pommel and decoration have a Lanna/Laotian flavor to them - smaller pommel, chased/repouseed metalwork, somewhat bolder patterns. Perhaps they are from further east than what I typically refer to as "Shan" territory. If so, they make a nice stylistic transition from the western Tai (Shan) styles to the more eastern Tai Yuan styles. Perhaps PUFF can offer more insight on this.
Hi Mark, Thanks for your comments. There were a couple of pics which I did not originally attach as they appeared "out of character" with the rest of the sword. The quality of this work appears to me to be of far less quality to the rest. Will have to wait until it arrives to see what the rest is like. Attached here now for comment.
Regards Stuart
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Old 9th May 2008, 04:03 PM   #5
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Interesting. The one of the right is, I think, a European in a tri-corner hat, frock coat & boots.

Are these panels on the scabbard or elsewere, then? Maybe a section was replaced.
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Old 9th May 2008, 08:32 PM   #6
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Originally Posted by Mark
Interesting. The one of the right is, I think, a European in a tri-corner hat, frock coat & boots.

Are these panels on the scabbard or elsewere, then? Maybe a section was replaced.
Hi Mark, I assume they are on the scabbard, but as I have not received the Dha I don't know if the rest of the sections are like this. Certainly the part by the drag is typical SEA, but these to me look european and of below average quality for the rest of the item. Will know more when it gets here and I will post further pics then.
Regards Stuart
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Old 23rd May 2008, 08:23 AM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Mark
Interesting. The one of the right is, I think, a European in a tri-corner hat, frock coat & boots.

Are these panels on the scabbard or elsewere, then? Maybe a section was replaced.

Further to previous discussion, the Dha has now arrived and I can provide a little more info.
Firstly the balance of the blade appears no different from other Dha I have--the weight is approx central. The 17 7/8" blade is very sharp but is only 1/4" thick at the hilt. The handle is 11 3/4" long so probably designed for 2 handed use. Metal appears to be copper overall, but it has been silvered, and a small amount still remains at the scabbard drag. The decorative panels cover all the scabbard except for a plain 4 1/2" section which shows clear marks of having had a baldric at some stage. The handle also is totally covered with decorative panels.
The quality of this piece appears to me to be well above average, and definately shows some age. I would be interested to hear what others think.
Re the figures shown in the panels---I have taken the liberty to copy a couple of pics from Mark's Dha Research Archive (Hope that's OK Mark!). Are those "hats" familiar!!??
Regards Stuart
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Old 23rd May 2008, 08:27 AM   #8
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What a beauty. What animal do you suppose that is on the panels? It looks to be a squirrel. I am curious as to the significance.
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