Thai or Burman Dha?

[45Auto]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v192/45Auto/SwordsAndBlades/DSC00005.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v192/45Auto/SwordsAndBlades/DSC00012.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v192/45Auto/SwordsAndBlades/DSC00013.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v192/45Auto/SwordsAndBlades/DSC00007.jpg

I presume the handle is ivory but it could also be bone. I don't know how to tell the differance.

From reviewing prior posts on this forum, I think this might be Thai or maybe a Burman dha. This is the first such dagger I have had, and any information about it, pro and con, would be greatly appreciated.

[CharlesS]

Lovely example, and I vote Burmese.

[Nathaniel]

Yup, I'd say Burman as well. :) Nice intact piece.

[Battara]

I agree, especially with the picture silver koftgari on the blade.

[Gavin Nugent]

Nice piece, congrats, very nice to see good inlay on a small blade, great hilt too.

Burmese on all fronts to me, the blade, the inlay, the sheath timber, the sheath binding, the silver collar and the hilt (although regionally the hilts can cross to a degree)

Gav

[45Auto]

Thank you for the information. The more I learn about these things the more I like owning them.

I looked up the term "koftgari," and I must agree that the blade has been masterfuly inlayed with silver.

Any ideas as to the approximate age?

[chregu]

wonderful part! congratulations

[Nathaniel]

Thank you for the information. The more I learn about these things the more I like owning them.

I looked up the term "koftgari," and I must agree that the blade has been masterfuly inlayed with silver.

Any ideas as to the approximate age?

I don't know if you came across this link of info, but here is one that you might find of interest:
http://dharesearch.bowditch.us/DecorationFrame1Source1.htm

[Nathaniel]

45Auto: I was looking at the Koftgari decoration in the pictures you provided...I see the silver, but the lighting in one photo looked like some is also copper??? This is of course not uncommon as you see probably most commonly silver, but also copper and gold are also found.

[Battara]

On these pieces you will often find copper koftgari as well. Actually it is not inlay where you engrave room for the hammering of the softer material but more of an overlay on top of a textured surface. Thus - koftgari.

BTW - would this be considered a priest knife?

[45Auto]

45Auto: I was looking at the Koftgari decoration in the pictures you provided...I see the silver, but the lighting in one photo looked like some is also copper??? This is of course not uncommon as you see probably most commonly silver, but also copper and gold are also found.

I looked at it closely and I don't see any copper. The slightly copper looking color appears to be tarnish.

Thank you for the information. The link is extremely interesting.

BTW, about priests knifes. Do I have one?

Thanks again,
Greg

[PUFF]

It is a Burman ceremonial or dressing knife.
:)