Burmese sword for discussion

Ian · 12th April 2017, 05:30 AM

Hi chief:

There are a couple of possibilities for this one. Can you show us some better pics of the blade? Also, what are the dimensions--overall length, blade length, etc.?

The brass slug set into the spine of the blade suggests 20th C Thai manufacture, but more details of the blade will help.

Ian.

chiefheadknocker · 12th April 2017, 12:16 PM

thanks for your reply ,ive attached a few photos of the blade ,total length is 73cm and blade alone 43 , the bade has a few bad rust spots ,whats the best method of treating this ?

Sajen · 13th April 2017, 12:22 PM

Ian is correct, Thai in origin, the engraving is the giveaway, would guess early 20th century. Nice complete piece, I would personally clean the blade.

Regards,
Detlef

Ian · 13th April 2017, 02:17 PM

Hi again chief:

Yes, this is a 20th C Thai daab. The engraved lines and "S" shaped markings are typical of post-WWII northern Thai work.

If you look among the Classic Threads at the top of the Ethnographic Forum page, you will find a link to "Contemporary Thai swords" that has more information about these pieces.

Ian

chiefheadknocker · 13th April 2017, 04:08 PM

Thanks for everyones help with this , your knowledge is much appretiated

Sajen · 13th April 2017, 05:40 PM

Hi Ian,

I personally don't think that the daab in question is a post WWII example, the patina and workmanship let me think that it is to date between 1910-1940.

Regards,
Detlef

RSWORD · 13th April 2017, 07:22 PM

I agree with Detlef. The thick spine that is peaked or V shaped suggests a sword made for serious use and I would also date to the early part of the 20th century. Those later examples with S line markings lack the thickness and V shaped or peaked spine.

Gavin Nugent · 14th April 2017, 11:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ian

Hi again chief:

Yes, this is a 20th C Thai daab. The engraved lines and "S" shaped markings are typical of post-WWII northern Thai work.

Ian

As a side note, the markings described go back in to previous centuries too.

Gavin

chiefheadknocker · 14th April 2017, 08:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sajen

Ian is correct, Thai in origin, the engraving is the giveaway, would guess early 20th century. Nice complete piece, I would personally clean the blade.

Regards,
Detlef

thanks for your input , just thinking what would be the best way to clean this blade ?

Sajen · 14th April 2017, 10:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chiefheadknocker

thanks for your input , just thinking what would be the best way to clean this blade ?

Hi Chief,

abrasive paper and elbow grease!

Start with 240 and go up to 800 or 1000. A mild etch will show if the blade has a hardened edge.

Regards,
Detlef

Sajen · 14th April 2017, 12:08 PM

Here a similar example from my own collection, 76 cm inside scabbard, blade 41 cm, handle 26,6 cm, thickness of the blade near the handle 7 mm. Handle top plate is a coin, 1/2 cent from Indochine Francaise 1938 (I know that this can't be a proof of age

) The handle binding suggest an intensive use.

12th April 2017, 12:16 PM	#2
chiefheadknocker Member Join Date: Dec 2014 Posts: 143	thanks for your reply ,ive attached a few photos of the blade ,total length is 73cm and blade alone 43 , the bade has a few bad rust spots ,whats the best method of treating this ? Attached Images

14th April 2017, 12:08 PM	#11
Sajen Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Germany, Dortmund Posts: 9,415	Here a similar example from my own collection, 76 cm inside scabbard, blade 41 cm, handle 26,6 cm, thickness of the blade near the handle 7 mm. Handle top plate is a coin, 1/2 cent from Indochine Francaise 1938 (I know that this can't be a proof of age ) The handle binding suggest an intensive use. Attached Images

12th April 2017, 05:30 AM	#1
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,519	Hi chief: There are a couple of possibilities for this one. Can you show us some better pics of the blade? Also, what are the dimensions--overall length, blade length, etc.? The brass slug set into the spine of the blade suggests 20th C Thai manufacture, but more details of the blade will help. Ian.

13th April 2017, 12:22 PM	#3
Sajen Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Germany, Dortmund Posts: 9,415	Ian is correct, Thai in origin, the engraving is the giveaway, would guess early 20th century. Nice complete piece, I would personally clean the blade. Regards, Detlef

13th April 2017, 02:17 PM	#4
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,519	Hi again chief: Yes, this is a 20th C Thai daab. The engraved lines and "S" shaped markings are typical of post-WWII northern Thai work. If you look among the Classic Threads at the top of the Ethnographic Forum page, you will find a link to "Contemporary Thai swords" that has more information about these pieces. Ian

13th April 2017, 04:08 PM	#5
chiefheadknocker Member Join Date: Dec 2014 Posts: 143	Thanks for everyones help with this , your knowledge is much appretiated

13th April 2017, 05:40 PM	#6
Sajen Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Germany, Dortmund Posts: 9,415	Hi Ian, I personally don't think that the daab in question is a post WWII example, the patina and workmanship let me think that it is to date between 1910-1940. Regards, Detlef

13th April 2017, 07:22 PM	#7
RSWORD Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Greensboro, NC Posts: 1,093	I agree with Detlef. The thick spine that is peaked or V shaped suggests a sword made for serious use and I would also date to the early part of the 20th century. Those later examples with S line markings lack the thickness and V shaped or peaked spine.