Lao Dha/daab

JeffS · 19th July 2025, 04:51 PM

I hope a side question is ok while we wait for comments. Have we discussed these common markings? They are, of course, very present on tourist pieces from Thailand and I usually take it as a bad sign when I see them. However, you do see them on clearly authentic, and old pieces, as the case with this sword. I've also attached a Montagnard daab, featuring these marks, that was collecting in the Central Highlands Vietnam early in the American War there (only picture I had on hand but you can still note the markings despite low resolution.) How far back does this practice go, what geographic footprint would we expect to see them?

19th July 2025, 04:51 PM	#4
JeffS Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Singapore Posts: 431	I hope a side question is ok while we wait for comments. Have we discussed these common markings? They are, of course, very present on tourist pieces from Thailand and I usually take it as a bad sign when I see them. However, you do see them on clearly authentic, and old pieces, as the case with this sword. I've also attached a Montagnard daab, featuring these marks, that was collecting in the Central Highlands Vietnam early in the American War there (only picture I had on hand but you can still note the markings despite low resolution.) How far back does this practice go, what geographic footprint would we expect to see them? Attached Images