Dha Hmyaung for discussion

[russel]

I recently purchased this dagger, which I believe to be a Burmese Dha Hmyaung - hopefully someone can confirm the origin of this knife. It is a truly sturdy beast: overall length 31.5cm; blade 21 cm and 8.5mm thick. The Ivory handle and silver fittings really make it a lovely addition to my collection.

I look forward to all comments,

Russel

[Roland_M]

The hilt of this nice dagger is elephant ivory, i can see 90° Schreger-lines. I think it was made around 100 years ago.

I hope, this website will help you.

http://www.arscives.com/historysteel/continentalsea.swordlist.htm

Regards, Roland

[Sajen]

Hello Russel,

very nice dha dagger, I think Burmese but others will know maybe better.
And I agree with Roland, it's elephant ivory.

Congrats for adding such a nice piece to your collection.

Regards,
Detlef

[Gavin Nugent]

Hello Russel,

It is in my opinion from Burma as previously suggested but the region over all is vastly complicated. For me is it the fittings on the sheath that indicated this but honestly it could just as well be Laos/Indochina.

Gavin

[Ian]

Russel:

Gavin has pretty much said what I think. Most likely Burmese or northern Thai/Shan. The heavy, drop point blade is quite common on Burmese knives of this type.

Very nice example and probably second half of the 19th C.

Ian.

[russel]

Thanks guys,

Great information, as always.

Cheers, Russel

[Andrew]

I agree with Gav and Ian--overall form Burmese. Fittings more typical of northern Thai.

[Andrew]

btw, any markings on bottom of scabbard fitting (chape)?

[russel]

Hi Andrew,

No, I just re-checked, there are no marking of any description. The bottom of the chapel is timber (see image), perhaps it is missing a plate of silver?

Russel

[Sajen]

)..., perhaps it is missing a plate of silver?

Yup, think so.

[Ian]

Hi Andrew,

... The bottom of the chapel is timber (see image), perhaps it is missing a plate of silver?

RusselNot necessarily. Sometimes the silver plate is missing and seems to have been made that way. Instead there may be a pad of resin where a plate might have been. Hard to tell from your picture if this one had a base plate originally or not.

Ian.