Cambodian(?) Dhas
 

Are these truly Cambodian?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...MEWA:IT&ih=018
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...MEWA:IT&ih=018
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...MEWA:IT&ih=018

Some years ago there was a thread about a Burmese/Thai/Cambodian made katana. The second dha could be one of these. The other two I don't know. The last one looks crude, the top one looks like it's of fair quality, with maybe silver? fittings. I imagined Cambodian and Laotian dhas to be cruder and poorer than Burmese and Thai ones. I'm not sure if this is correct, it's just a feeling.

Where is the dhafia?

CAMBODIAN-Probably yes!
 

Two of these, and one other from the same source are coming to live with me, and when they arrive I will post some better pics. I can tell you that they ALL were sourced in Cambodia by their original owner, during the course of his business there. I also have in my collection, 3 other Dha which are known to have originated in that country. Two have a definate "Tsuba" and probably owe some design origins to Japanese influence, but are DEFINATELY NOT Japanese in origin.
Watch this space for new thread on these when they arrive here.
Regards Stuart :)

Interesting swords. Congratulations, Khanjar. :cool: I'll be particularly interested to see some better shots. Maybe some macros.

The second one demonstrates wirework consistent with a sword I thought was older. That one looks early 20th century to me.

CAMBODIAN ORIGINS - 1
 

Hi Guys, thought I would put the 3 that I already have in my collection up for comment.
Will do it in seperate pieces so that comments can be placed against each one without confusion.
This one described as KHMER Late 19th Cent/Early 20th Century.

CAMBODIAN ORIGINS - 2
 

Also described as KHMER but I wonder if this could possibly be a COCHIN SABER? Just by the blade shape? Also what thoughts on the bamboo wrap? Mark kindly had this on the site on my behalf a while ago, but discussion was inconclusive.

SORRY!!
 

Sorry, clicked too fast and forgot the pics!!

CAMBODIAN ORIGINS - 3
 

This also described as KHMER. Did wonder about YUNNAN for this as general shape is very similar to anothe Yunnan dha I have. Comparative pic herewith also.
Thats it for now. Regards Stuart

Its really hard for me to tell from the photos, since I rely a lot on the profile to ID Cambodian dha. The first one looks Lao to me, in the decorative motifs. The second and third I am more inclined to attribute to Cambodia, as the distinctive break in the curve between handle and blade is (I think) visible. Also the last has an upswept tip on the scabbards, which most Cambodian dha seem to have. Ian has several very katana-like dha from Cambodia, as do you I can see, so we can assume that the katana style is fairly common there.

I am aways a bit dubious about the solid cast handles, so I am interested to see details when you get them. I think you are well on your way to becoming a made guy in the Dafia, Stuart. :)