Large Silver Dha/Daab/Darb for Comment

Andrew · 11th March 2011, 03:55 PM

Interesting sword, particularly with the provenance. Looks like the blade is laminated, so I'm inclined to believe this is of higher quality than substantially similar examples I've seen.

I agree this is likely of northern Thai manufacture (perhaps even by a Laotian maker). The repousse work is interesting, but (in my personal opinion only) not particularly well executed.

Mid-late 20th manufacture (contemporary to the time given as a gift). By that time, such swords were not really in regular use as weapons or regalia in urban, sophisticated circles, so I agree a more typical gift would be a western-style saber with Thai royal motifs.

Not a "tourist" weapon, but not an antique either. Probably manufactured specifically to be given as a royal gift.

Best,
Andrew

11th March 2011, 03:55 PM	#6
Andrew Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: USA Posts: 1,725	Interesting sword, particularly with the provenance. Looks like the blade is laminated, so I'm inclined to believe this is of higher quality than substantially similar examples I've seen. I agree this is likely of northern Thai manufacture (perhaps even by a Laotian maker). The repousse work is interesting, but (in my personal opinion only) not particularly well executed. Mid-late 20th manufacture (contemporary to the time given as a gift). By that time, such swords were not really in regular use as weapons or regalia in urban, sophisticated circles, so I agree a more typical gift would be a western-style saber with Thai royal motifs. Not a "tourist" weapon, but not an antique either. Probably manufactured specifically to be given as a royal gift. Best, Andrew