Lew Waldman's Ethnographic Arms & Armour Collection Archive


1035 - Southeast Asian (Burmese?) Dha Knife with Sheath

This well-worn small knife has a 7½ inch (19.4 cm) slightly curved single edged blade with some significant old losses to the edge and patchy mild to moderate pitting of a burnished surface. The hilt is formed of thin white metal (silver alloy of low fineness?) over a wooden core. Overlain decorated rings are seen on each side of a faceted front section with the main grip wrapped in woven wire. The pommel is of accentuated onion dome shape. Some cracking of the overlying metal is seen in the faceted area and the pommel over high points, but the damage is not seriously distracting. The scabbard also has a wooden core and is covered by similar thin white metal showing considerable dents and dings. Decorative reinforcing bands formed from wire are present with loosened wires in the upper central band and wire losses at the mouth. Though showing evidence of a lot of wear, this knife remains attractive and functional. Overall sheathed length is 14¾ inches (37.7 cm) with a weight of just under 7 ounces (196 grams).




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