a recent montagnard dha i picked up

Andrew · 1st September 2010, 05:19 AM

I believe this is a recently made (or cobbled-together) sword.

Although it is difficult to glean much from the photos, the blade appears to be well made and may be older than the handle, scabbard and baldric. However, it is a common style still manufactured in modern Aranyik, and I would estimate it to be no older than second half of the 20th century.

The "pommel" plug is something I've never seen before and, frankly, strikes me as a meaningless addition. Some previous owner did not like the look of the typical hole/concavity at the distal end of the handle, and decided it needed to be plugged. As Philip notes, it makes no sense whatsoever.

The handle is either a replacement, or has otherwise been altered. The stonework was either done to increase the item's "curb appeal", or a prior owner decorated it for his own pleasure. I have owned several daab and dha decorated with semi-precious stones (low-grade rubies and, in one case, peridots), but never the type seen here.

Finally, I would not really consider this to be a "Montagnard" sword. Could it have been made for or used by a member of that group of "hill tribes"? Certainly. However, this is a Thai blade, similar in style to the ubiquitous swords brought back with US servicemen from the Vietnam War, as mentioned by Philip.

Thank you for sharing this with us.

1st September 2010, 05:19 AM	#6
Andrew Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: USA Posts: 1,725	I believe this is a recently made (or cobbled-together) sword. Although it is difficult to glean much from the photos, the blade appears to be well made and may be older than the handle, scabbard and baldric. However, it is a common style still manufactured in modern Aranyik, and I would estimate it to be no older than second half of the 20th century. The "pommel" plug is something I've never seen before and, frankly, strikes me as a meaningless addition. Some previous owner did not like the look of the typical hole/concavity at the distal end of the handle, and decided it needed to be plugged. As Philip notes, it makes no sense whatsoever. The handle is either a replacement, or has otherwise been altered. The stonework was either done to increase the item's "curb appeal", or a prior owner decorated it for his own pleasure. I have owned several daab and dha decorated with semi-precious stones (low-grade rubies and, in one case, peridots), but never the type seen here. Finally, I would not really consider this to be a "Montagnard" sword. Could it have been made for or used by a member of that group of "hill tribes"? Certainly. However, this is a Thai blade, similar in style to the ubiquitous swords brought back with US servicemen from the Vietnam War, as mentioned by Philip. Thank you for sharing this with us.