Lao Dha/daab

[Iain]

Originally Posted by Marc M.

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

In my view this is a late 19th century Laotian sword, although it can be from the neighboring Lanna regions.

The resin you mentioned is the usual tree resin used to fix blades and handles. Very multipurpose for dha/daab and you will find it used to glue down all sorts of materials.

The blade decorations are typical in both Lanna and Laos and can be found on blades with great age and of course newer 'touristic' swords. They are not a sign of a good or blade in their own right and need to be assessed with the whole sword.