[mariusgmioc]

Originally Posted by Ian

Marius,

These are decorative pieces that are not really intended for use as a weapon. They were produced in the 20th C and the quality is often fair to poor. The koftgari silver/copper alloy work relating Burmese stories along the blade is the main feature of such swords, although many lack this element and the blades are plain.

There are high end examples of this "story dha" genre, generally dating to the 19th C, but the ones that have embossed brass covered hilts and scabbards are almost always poor quality specimens made at a later time.

The example shown below is one of these lower quality pieces. The scabbard appears to be gilded wood. Although there is Burmese script on the blade, this one seems to have been made in northern Thailand or the neighboring Shan States judging from the shape of the blade. (Similar examples dressed in plain wood with heavily carved hilts and scabbards are commonly found, and are still being produced in northern Thailand.) This example seems to be from the mid-20th C. based on the inscription.

Sometimes called "temple dha" I don't know of any spiritual significance of these swords in their host culture. It is tempting to think they were made for sale beyond the local culture, mainly to Europeans, etc. Certainly, many found their way back to the U.S., transported by GIs returning from service in Vietnam. Variations in the decoration of the hilts and scabbards can include embossed or repoussed metal, pieces of mirrored glass, colored glass, gilt wood, etc. All were made as "decorative" pieces with dull, poorly tempered blades.

Ian

Thank you Ian for your very clear explanations! I was under the impression the silver koftgari blades were a sign of higher quality but something didn't quite add up with the quite poor workmanship.