An Interesting Old Dha Dagger

[CharlesS]

I recently picked up this little dha dagger. It's 12.5in. overall, with a 9in. blade of typical form.

The carved ivory elephant pommel struck me as somewhat unique....not the typical human forms and fine pierced or non-pierced foliage. Note the dark horn bolster and brass ferrule. The blade bears a familar sunburst typical to some dha blades.

Does anyone recognise the symbol on the elephant's back...very curious. :shrug:

[Nathaniel]

Charles, Interesting piece...the simple brass fittings remind me of of those I've seen on Burmese scabbards. The fitting on the handle reminds me of a Indonesian Kelwang, but that doesn't mean anything just a side comment. Love pieces with makers mark and your right you see this marking on a few different pieces...from different places...Northern Thai...Yunnan, Laos. The marking on the back of the elephant figure handle I think is a Yant/ Yantra:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yantra_tattooing