Unusual silver daab (1)

Ian · 12th May 2025, 01:29 PM

This one was sold recently by a German Auction House (H.H.) as a "Myanmese dha." I doubt that attribution, and think the blade is more likely Thai given its tip and the presence of a small disc guard.. No scabbard unfortunately.

The silver covered hilt is unusual and I would appreciate an explanation for the two small rings attached to it and their likely function.

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Sajen · 13th May 2025, 05:21 PM

Hi Ian,

Looks like an antique umbrella handle to my eyes.

Regards,
Detlef

Tim Simmons · 13th May 2025, 07:43 PM

I hate to say but I agree with Detlef . I must add that the earlier piece with the water Dragon handle and chape is extremely nice.

Iain · 13th May 2025, 08:30 PM

Agreed. It's a composite piece using a Chinese umbrella handle.

Ian · 16th May 2025, 07:29 PM

Thanks guys. You confirmed my suspicions about the hilt. This is now the second example of a fancy umbrella handle added to a daab that I have come across. Any ides what the two small rings may have been for?

Ian · Yesterday, 07:27 PM

I have been looking up these umbrella (mostly parasols) silver handles.

Silver parasol hilts were popular in Victorian times into the early 20th C. Antique British, European, and Asian (Chinese, Anglo-Indian, Japanese) versions exist. Mostly sterling silver, antique ones can be expensive, running from several hundred to over a thousand USD. The hilt alone may have been worth the price paid for this sword, depending on the amount of silver present and the quality of workmanship.

Iain has suggested a Chinese origin and I think he is correct after looking at examples online. However, a French origin may also be possible based on the motifs shown.

As far as the two small rings attached to the silver, the most likely use for these would be to attach a chain that hung over the wrist or forearm to carry it when the umbrella/parasol was not in use.

12th May 2025, 01:29 PM	#1
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,386	Unusual silver daab (1) This one was sold recently by a German Auction House (H.H.) as a "Myanmese dha." I doubt that attribution, and think the blade is more likely Thai given its tip and the presence of a small disc guard.. No scabbard unfortunately. The silver covered hilt is unusual and I would appreciate an explanation for the two small rings attached to it and their likely function. . Attached Images Last edited by Ian; 12th May 2025 at 02:10 PM.

13th May 2025, 05:21 PM	#2
Sajen Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Germany, Dortmund Posts: 9,178	Hi Ian, Looks like an antique umbrella handle to my eyes. Regards, Detlef Attached Images Last edited by Sajen; 13th May 2025 at 05:34 PM.

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13th May 2025, 07:43 PM	#3
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,854	I hate to say but I agree with Detlef . I must add that the earlier piece with the water Dragon handle and chape is extremely nice.

13th May 2025, 08:30 PM	#4
Iain Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Olomouc Posts: 1,717	Agreed. It's a composite piece using a Chinese umbrella handle.

16th May 2025, 07:29 PM	#5
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,386	Thanks guys. You confirmed my suspicions about the hilt. This is now the second example of a fancy umbrella handle added to a daab that I have come across. Any ides what the two small rings may have been for?

Yesterday, 07:27 PM	#6
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,386	I have been looking up these umbrella (mostly parasols) silver handles. Silver parasol hilts were popular in Victorian times into the early 20th C. Antique British, European, and Asian (Chinese, Anglo-Indian, Japanese) versions exist. Mostly sterling silver, antique ones can be expensive, running from several hundred to over a thousand USD. The hilt alone may have been worth the price paid for this sword, depending on the amount of silver present and the quality of workmanship. Iain has suggested a Chinese origin and I think he is correct after looking at examples online. However, a French origin may also be possible based on the motifs shown. As far as the two small rings attached to the silver, the most likely use for these would be to attach a chain that hung over the wrist or forearm to carry it when the umbrella/parasol was not in use.