Burmese sword for discussion

[chiefheadknocker]

This sword ive acquired lately and believe its a Burmese sword ,I would just like to know any information , use, age , tribe etc ,it looks to have been well used .
thanks

[Ian]

Hi chief:

There are a couple of possibilities for this one. Can you show us some better pics of the blade? Also, what are the dimensions--overall length, blade length, etc.?

The brass slug set into the spine of the blade suggests 20th C Thai manufacture, but more details of the blade will help.

Ian.

[chiefheadknocker]

thanks for your reply ,ive attached a few photos of the blade ,total length is 73cm and blade alone 43 , the bade has a few bad rust spots ,whats the best method of treating this ?

[Sajen]

Ian is correct, Thai in origin, the engraving is the giveaway, would guess early 20th century. Nice complete piece, I would personally clean the blade.

Regards,
Detlef

[Ian]

Hi again chief:

Yes, this is a 20th C Thai daab. The engraved lines and "S" shaped markings are typical of post-WWII northern Thai work.

If you look among the Classic Threads at the top of the Ethnographic Forum page, you will find a link to "Contemporary Thai swords" that has more information about these pieces.

Ian

[chiefheadknocker]

Thanks for everyones help with this , your knowledge is much appretiated

[Gavin Nugent]

Originally Posted by Ian

Hi again chief:

Yes, this is a 20th C Thai daab. The engraved lines and "S" shaped markings are typical of post-WWII northern Thai work.

Ian

As a side note, the markings described go back in to previous centuries too.

Gavin

[chiefheadknocker]

Originally Posted by Sajen

Ian is correct, Thai in origin, the engraving is the giveaway, would guess early 20th century. Nice complete piece, I would personally clean the blade.

Regards,
Detlef

thanks for your input , just thinking what would be the best way to clean this blade ?

[Sajen]

Originally Posted by chiefheadknocker

thanks for your input , just thinking what would be the best way to clean this blade ?

Hi Chief,

abrasive paper and elbow grease! Start with 240 and go up to 800 or 1000. A mild etch will show if the blade has a hardened edge.

Regards,
Detlef

[Sajen]

Originally Posted by chiefheadknocker

This sword ive acquired lately and believe its a Burmese sword ,I would just like to know any information , use, age , tribe etc ,it looks to have been well used .
thanks

Can you give us the measurements of your sword please?

Sorry, just noticed that you have done it already! But how thick is the blade near the handle?

[chiefheadknocker]

Originally Posted by Sajen

Can you give us the measurements of your sword please?

Sorry, just noticed that you have done it already! But how thick is the blade near the handle?

hi, the blade is 9mm thick near the handle , I have cleaned the blade as it had lots of rust spots ,ere are a couple of pics which I think show a hardened edge

[Sajen]

Yes, it look like this! Good simple Thai daab!

[Ian]

Yes, that's a good quality blade. A typical working daab.