Ethnographic Arms & Armour - View Single Post

Ian · 20th June 2005, 09:28 PM

Andrew has done a good job of nailing down the time period of your Thai sword to 1891-1910, the period of King Rama V of Siam. The three-headed elephant on the scabbard seems unique to the reign of Rama V.

The sword itself resembles quite closely the "parade swords" of Vietnam from the late 19th C., when that country was part of French Indo China, and I have thought that this style was heavily influenced by the French presence.

Not at all surprising to see a Thai version of this "parade sword," or "court sword," and this one has nicely worked cut out areas along the blade. Otherwise, the inlay work and jeweled handle show less refinement than seen on earlier dha, somewhat in common with the Vietnamese parade swords whose blades are really quite shoddy compared with the hilts and scabbards.

Ian.

20th June 2005, 09:28 PM	#9
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,034	Thanks Andrew Andrew has done a good job of nailing down the time period of your Thai sword to 1891-1910, the period of King Rama V of Siam. The three-headed elephant on the scabbard seems unique to the reign of Rama V. The sword itself resembles quite closely the "parade swords" of Vietnam from the late 19th C., when that country was part of French Indo China, and I have thought that this style was heavily influenced by the French presence. Not at all surprising to see a Thai version of this "parade sword," or "court sword," and this one has nicely worked cut out areas along the blade. Otherwise, the inlay work and jeweled handle show less refinement than seen on earlier dha, somewhat in common with the Vietnamese parade swords whose blades are really quite shoddy compared with the hilts and scabbards. Ian.