Hello all and thanks for responding!
Shakethetrees, yes, that is an excellent effect and look! I will definitely consider it for my dau.
Timo Nieminen, the sword appears to be very sound, weighs approx 5-6 lbs, is thickest near the hilt ring (at just under 1/4") narrowing towards the tip. The blade is sturdy and has a nice ring to it when tapped. Thanks for the info on the smaller ring purpose (makes total sense!) and the usage of dadau vs dau. I'd like to think of it as at least Boxer or earlier, so your 'guess' is welcome! I didn't realize that these always had a guard/crossguard, of which mine is missing? I've seen knuckle bows and disc guards on dau, but I've also seen many without, leading me to assume there were types with and without guards-
