Unusual daab/darv (2)

Ian · Yesterday, 01:59 PM

This one was sold recently by a German Auction House (H.H.) who labeled it as a "Myanmese dha." Again, I question that designation. Of note is a small habaki-like copper band at forte, a small disc guard and a three part hilt of ferrule/wood/ferrule. The blade is unusual too for its marked distal upwards curve and acute point.

Many years ago (on the defunct UBB forum of this site) there was a discussion of Japanese mercenaries and communities living in Thailand in the 19th C, and the observation that some Thai swords have evidence of a Japanese influence. This could be one of those.

Another possibility is a Cochin saber from Vietnam. I have an old darv with a similar habaki-like structure, but a very different hilt and blade.

There may be other Japanese-influenced possibilities. It would be interesting to hear the experience of others in this regard. I have not seen an old Burmese dha with Japanese features or with a similar blade to this one.

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RobT · Yesterday, 11:32 PM

Ian,

Could the habaki-like structure be a tunkou variant?

Sincerely,
RobT

Iain · Today, 01:08 PM

This is a nice example of a Vietnamese guom, the bronze tonku, blade from and the typical rivet with decorative plate on the handle are all characteristic for the type. They are not common swords and its nice to see a solid and from the looks of it quite old example.

Yesterday, 01:59 PM	#1
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,372	Unusual daab/darv (2) This one was sold recently by a German Auction House (H.H.) who labeled it as a "Myanmese dha." Again, I question that designation. Of note is a small habaki-like copper band at forte, a small disc guard and a three part hilt of ferrule/wood/ferrule. The blade is unusual too for its marked distal upwards curve and acute point. Many years ago (on the defunct UBB forum of this site) there was a discussion of Japanese mercenaries and communities living in Thailand in the 19th C, and the observation that some Thai swords have evidence of a Japanese influence. This could be one of those. Another possibility is a Cochin saber from Vietnam. I have an old darv with a similar habaki-like structure, but a very different hilt and blade. There may be other Japanese-influenced possibilities. It would be interesting to hear the experience of others in this regard. I have not seen an old Burmese dha with Japanese features or with a similar blade to this one. . Attached Images

Yesterday, 11:32 PM	#2
RobT Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 540	Tunkou? Ian, Could the habaki-like structure be a tunkou variant? Sincerely, RobT

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Today, 01:08 PM	#3
Iain Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Olomouc Posts: 1,713	This is a nice example of a Vietnamese guom, the bronze tonku, blade from and the typical rivet with decorative plate on the handle are all characteristic for the type. They are not common swords and its nice to see a solid and from the looks of it quite old example.