Lao Dha/daab

[JeffS]

I hope a side question is ok while we wait for comments. Have we discussed these common markings? They are, of course, very present on tourist pieces from Thailand and I usually take it as a bad sign when I see them. However, you do see them on clearly authentic, and old pieces, as the case with this sword. I've also attached a Montagnard daab, featuring these marks, that was collecting in the Central Highlands Vietnam early in the American War there (only picture I had on hand but you can still note the markings despite low resolution.) How far back does this practice go, what geographic footprint would we expect to see them?

[Sajen]

The sword in question was once a very nice sword, sadly it's left as a relic only. The stuff at the handle is indeed a mixture with resin and other components to form the thin silver cover which is mostly gone. It's a similar technique which was used by keris handles.

[Marc M.]

Originally Posted by Sajen

The sword in question was once a very nice sword, sadly it's left as a relic only. The stuff at the handle is indeed a mixture with resin and other components to form the thin silver cover which is mostly gone. It's a similar technique which was used by keris handles.

Hi Detlef
From the seller's photos I could tell that the dha was old but the condition was indeed not great. But still interesting enough for me to buy, small price though.
I don't come across this shape that often.
Regards
Marc

[Sajen]

Originally Posted by Marc M.

From the seller's photos I could tell that the dha was old but the condition was indeed not great. But still interesting enough for me to buy, small price though.
I don't come across this shape that often.

Hi Marc,

I don't want to make your dha a bad buy. But it's a relic, good enough for study!

Regards,
Detlef

[Sajen]

Originally Posted by JeffS

I hope a side question is ok while we wait for comments. Have we discussed these common markings? They are, of course, very present on tourist pieces from Thailand and I usually take it as a bad sign when I see them. However, you do see them on clearly authentic, and old pieces, as the case with this sword. I've also attached a Montagnard daab, featuring these marks, that was collecting in the Central Highlands Vietnam early in the American War there (only picture I had on hand but you can still note the markings despite low resolution.) How far back does this practice go, what geographic footprint would we expect to see them?

Hi Jeff,

Yes, we had this discussion before. These markings are old and traditionell and not only seen on these tourist dha.
Here is a Thai dha from my own collection, clearly old, I guess around the first quarter of the 20th century, with similar engravings on the blade.

Regards,
Detlef