Huge Dao -- origin ???
This is a large and weighty beast that could hand out some serious hurt.
The blade is a dao shape, with two straight edges that diverge from the hilt (width = 1 3/8 inches; thickness of spine = 3/8 inch) to the squared off end (width = 2 11/16 inches; thickness of spine = 3/32 inch). The blade is heavily patinated with a biconvex grind to the edge. Old hammer marks from forging are visible in several places.
The handle is cast bronze and appears to have been covered originally with a black resinous material that has been rubbed back over time to reveal vegetal designs in relief. The pommel is flame shaped. The handle is circular in cross section and flares out as it approaches the disk guard. The bronze guard is a wide disk (about 5 inches in diameter) that is scalloped around the edges (with 14 scalloped sections). The under surface of the guard is decorated, with a raised ridge around the periphery, and a series of inscribed concentric circles with various geometric designs between the lines.
Despite its size and weight, this sword is quite well balanced when held close to the guard and could be used single-handed, although it is obviously intended as a two-handed weapon.
OAL: 41 inches
Handle: 11 1/2 inches
Width of guard: approx. 5 inches
Blade: 29 1/2 inches
Weight 6-7 pounds
The origin and purpose of this one are a puzzle. The style is consistent with mainland SE Asia, most likely Thai, Lao or Cambodian -- it does not look like Burmese or Vietnamese work.
It's purpose would seem to be either for executions or as a sword of state -- or both. The edge is sharp and shows some wear at the tip. It appears to have been used.
Comments and suggestions about origins and purposes are greatly appreciated. I am grateful to Oriental Arms for selling me this one and I have included pictures from Artzi's site below.
Ian.
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