Unusual silver daab (1)

[Ian]

This one was sold recently by a German Auction House (H.H.) as a "Myanmese dha." I doubt that attribution, and think the blade is more likely Thai given its tip and the presence of a small disc guard.. No scabbard unfortunately.


The silver covered hilt is unusual and I would appreciate an explanation for the two small rings attached to it and their likely function.


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[Sajen]

Hi Ian,

Looks like an antique umbrella handle to my eyes. ;)

Regards,
Detlef

[Tim Simmons]

I hate to say but I agree with Detlef . I must add that the earlier piece with the water Dragon handle and chape is extremely nice.

[Iain]

Agreed. It's a composite piece using a Chinese umbrella handle.

[Ian]

Thanks guys. You confirmed my suspicions about the hilt. This is now the second example of a fancy umbrella handle added to a daab that I have come across. Any ides what the two small rings may have been for?

[Ian]

I have been looking up these umbrella (mostly parasols) silver handles.

Silver parasol hilts were popular in Victorian times into the early 20th C. Antique British, European, and Asian (Chinese, Anglo-Indian, Japanese) versions exist. Mostly sterling silver, antique ones can be expensive, running from several hundred to over a thousand USD. The hilt alone may have been worth the price paid for this sword, depending on the amount of silver present and the quality of workmanship.

Iain has suggested a Chinese origin and I think he is correct after looking at examples online. However, a French origin may also be possible based on the motifs shown.

As far as the two small rings attached to the silver, the most likely use for these would be to attach a chain that hung over the wrist or forearm to carry it when the umbrella/parasol was not in use.

[Oriental Armament Collection]

Very beautiful

[Norman McCormick]

Hi Ian,
Here's a Victorian umbrella with a silver handle from my wife's collection of Victoriana. The silver section is 6 1/2 inches and the total handle length is 8 inches which I guess is about average in size, quite slim things so I don't know how it compares to your silver hilt. Of course if from a different culture the average handle size may vary considerably.
My Regards,
Norman.

[Ian]

Thanks Norman. Very nice example--your wife has good taste.

[Norman McCormick]

your wife has good taste.

Hi Ian,
Of course she has, she's got me !!!:D:D:D
My Regards,
Norman.

[Ian]

:D:D:D