Lao Dha/daab

[Marc M.]

My latest dha/daab, oal 83.5 cm, sword 81.5 cm, handle 26 cm and thickness of blade against handle 9 mm. It could be a sword from Laos. On Iain Norman's excellent homepage on Asian swords, in the article: the sword of the elephant, similar specimens but still some differences.
My dha has no handguard, the hilt is damaged but seemed to have been wrapped entirely with a thin white/gray metal rather than cast brass/bronze. The decoration of the handle against the guard is rather rudimentary, the knob at the end then resembles the specimens shown. The blade has had a hard life, with a bent piece in the center with two notches in the edge, must have been a violent impact. On the blade on both sides two light decorations. Sheath is in fair condition, the black rope seems recent (plastic?). Opinions welcome.

Regards
Marc