Question about a Dha

Gavin Nugent · 8th March 2011, 02:18 AM

A beautiful piece, congrats Kino. I like the blade very much.
Whilst the hilt may appear copper to you, I think you will find it is tarnished silver. I have several Dha that were of this hue and they are silver. it appears many silvers from these regions go this colour, I am guessing something to do with the smelting process of the alloys and the inpurities they mix with the base metal.

Congrats again.

Gav

Nathaniel · 8th March 2011, 05:22 AM

The decoration on the blade reminds me of these two pieces:

http://www.oriental-arms.com/photos.php?id=3789

http://www.oriental-arms.com/photos.php?id=3776

kino · 8th March 2011, 04:21 PM

Thanks guys.
Tarnished silver alloy... Well when I get home this evening I will
have to pay close attention to the material. Maybe polish a small
section.
Thanks for the link showing similar decorations.

Andrew · 9th March 2011, 07:10 PM

Nice sword. Thai, probably early 20th c., in my opinion.

I do not necessarily disagree with Gav that the handle material may well be a silver alloy. However, I'd lean more towards some other alloy--perhaps a type of brass (copper/zinc).

Andrew

Battara · 9th March 2011, 07:18 PM

According to the patina I see, I would say brass or, more likely, copper.

Gavin Nugent · 9th March 2011, 07:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Battara

According to the patina I see, I would say brass or, more likely, copper.

Copper patina;

Here is an example of Thai silver showing a copper patina. These are the hilts of the large Namphee steel swords or unusual form.
Note the one of the left is still in the original patina, the one on the right was the same but now cleaned.

Good luck.

Gav

Andrew · 9th March 2011, 09:15 PM

Different alloys will patina differently, Gav.

kino · 11th March 2011, 04:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Andrew

Nice sword. Thai, probably early 20th c., in my opinion.

I do not necessarily disagree with Gav that the handle material may well be a silver alloy. However, I'd lean more towards some other alloy--perhaps a type of brass (copper/zinc).

Andrew

Andrew, Thanks.

I have not had the time to look over or polish the hilt. This weekend I will have some time to do it and I will update on what I find.

Nathaniel, thanks for the additional info.

Nathaniel · 12th March 2011, 03:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kino

Andrew, Thanks.

I have not had the time to look over or polish the hilt. This weekend I will have some time to do it and I will update on what I find.

Nathaniel, thanks for the additional info.

I'm kind of torn...maybe just clean up a small spot...I like the patina regardless of what metal alloy it is....I know several Thai collectors comment how westerners like to clean up things too much.

Nathaniel · 12th March 2011, 03:14 AM

One interesting motif on your handle is the flower....you also see one in the two swords Gavin pictured and also this most recent sword on OA: http://www.oriental-arms.com/photos.php?id=4565

8th March 2011, 02:18 AM	#1
Gavin Nugent Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 2,818	beautiful A beautiful piece, congrats Kino. I like the blade very much. Whilst the hilt may appear copper to you, I think you will find it is tarnished silver. I have several Dha that were of this hue and they are silver. it appears many silvers from these regions go this colour, I am guessing something to do with the smelting process of the alloys and the inpurities they mix with the base metal. Congrats again. Gav

9th March 2011, 07:10 PM	#4
Andrew Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: USA Posts: 1,725	Nice sword. Thai, probably early 20th c., in my opinion. I do not necessarily disagree with Gav that the handle material may well be a silver alloy. However, I'd lean more towards some other alloy--perhaps a type of brass (copper/zinc). Andrew Last edited by Andrew; 10th March 2011 at 12:01 AM. Reason: Meant Gav, not Nathaniel.

8th March 2011, 05:22 AM	#2
Nathaniel Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 865	The decoration on the blade reminds me of these two pieces: http://www.oriental-arms.com/photos.php?id=3789 http://www.oriental-arms.com/photos.php?id=3776

8th March 2011, 04:21 PM	#3
kino Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 1,020	Thanks guys. Tarnished silver alloy... Well when I get home this evening I will have to pay close attention to the material. Maybe polish a small section. Thanks for the link showing similar decorations.

9th March 2011, 07:18 PM	#5
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,310	According to the patina I see, I would say brass or, more likely, copper.

9th March 2011, 09:15 PM	#7
Andrew Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: USA Posts: 1,725	Different alloys will patina differently, Gav.

12th March 2011, 03:14 AM	#10
Nathaniel Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 865	One interesting motif on your handle is the flower....you also see one in the two swords Gavin pictured and also this most recent sword on OA: http://www.oriental-arms.com/photos.php?id=4565