Burmese Dha for comment

GuyM · 19th March 2006, 03:38 PM

Many thanks to Ian and Andrew,

I was indeed under the impression that this dagger wasn't really meant for heavy duty, unless in dire circumstances, but more for appearances (good ones at that, I'd say, I find it very elegant in shape and design), and you confirm that.

Thanks also for the references, which I'll try and look up.

Guy

drdavid · 20th March 2006, 06:19 AM

Hi Guy
I have attached image of another type of Burmese knife/dha. This one is very solidly made and the hilt is a large piece of ivory. The decorative style is quite different although it comes from the same region. I suspect this is a little older than your piece but wiser folk may care to set me right on this. I have posted a picture of this on the board before.
cheers
David

Andrew · 20th March 2006, 04:15 PM

I agree, this one is older. Perhaps late 19th century, or early 20th.

I think these are a distinctly different form of knife. Generally, the quality of these are better than the "Shan" knives we were discussing earlier in the thread. These are distinct with the rounded, slightly down-tilted handles, single ferules and tapering scabbards.

I've seen knives of this form reliably attributed to Burma (Burmese writing along with silver koftgari on the blade). Enough that I'd suggest this form is Burman.

However, others, of substantially similar form, have been reported as Thai and, I believe the scabbards like your example demonstrate Chinese decorative motifs.

Perhaps Puff could comment on this?

20th March 2006, 06:19 AM	#2
drdavid Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Australia Posts: 372	Hi Guy I have attached image of another type of Burmese knife/dha. This one is very solidly made and the hilt is a large piece of ivory. The decorative style is quite different although it comes from the same region. I suspect this is a little older than your piece but wiser folk may care to set me right on this. I have posted a picture of this on the board before. cheers David Attached Images

19th March 2006, 03:38 PM	#1
GuyM Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Switzerland Posts: 18	Many thanks to Ian and Andrew, I was indeed under the impression that this dagger wasn't really meant for heavy duty, unless in dire circumstances, but more for appearances (good ones at that, I'd say, I find it very elegant in shape and design), and you confirm that. Thanks also for the references, which I'll try and look up. Guy

20th March 2006, 04:15 PM	#3
Andrew Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: USA Posts: 1,725	I agree, this one is older. Perhaps late 19th century, or early 20th. I think these are a distinctly different form of knife. Generally, the quality of these are better than the "Shan" knives we were discussing earlier in the thread. These are distinct with the rounded, slightly down-tilted handles, single ferules and tapering scabbards. I've seen knives of this form reliably attributed to Burma (Burmese writing along with silver koftgari on the blade). Enough that I'd suggest this form is Burman. However, others, of substantially similar form, have been reported as Thai and, I believe the scabbards like your example demonstrate Chinese decorative motifs. Perhaps Puff could comment on this?