Copper Bladed Mak

Ian · 18th April 2006, 04:30 AM

Andrew:

Interesting item. Blade decoration looks N. Thai or Lao.

I think copper per se would be too soft to hold any kind of edge. Much more likely to be an alloy of copper, and bronze obviously comes to mind because it can be quite hard and durable (much more so than brass). What chance this may be an old bronze mak? In which case it could be a very old blade.

Ian.

Andrew · 18th April 2006, 04:43 AM

Hi Ian. I had similar thoughts on the decorative motifs.

If it's not copper, the blade must be a very high-copper content alloy. In some areas, the metal has a shiny, red appearance. It seems like it's holding a nice edge, but it must be fairly soft as the very distal 0.3 cm of the tip is folded over on itself. It's pretty substantial, enough so that I'd be suprised if this was a purely ceremonial weapon. (Although the extreme rarity of useable copper-bladed weapons in general doesn't really support this.

).

I'll try to get some close-ups posted. The auction photos aren't great.

18th April 2006, 04:30 AM	#1
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,515	Andrew: Interesting item. Blade decoration looks N. Thai or Lao. I think copper per se would be too soft to hold any kind of edge. Much more likely to be an alloy of copper, and bronze obviously comes to mind because it can be quite hard and durable (much more so than brass). What chance this may be an old bronze mak? In which case it could be a very old blade. Ian.

18th April 2006, 04:43 AM	#2
Andrew Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: USA Posts: 1,725	Hi Ian. I had similar thoughts on the decorative motifs. If it's not copper, the blade must be a very high-copper content alloy. In some areas, the metal has a shiny, red appearance. It seems like it's holding a nice edge, but it must be fairly soft as the very distal 0.3 cm of the tip is folded over on itself. It's pretty substantial, enough so that I'd be suprised if this was a purely ceremonial weapon. (Although the extreme rarity of useable copper-bladed weapons in general doesn't really support this. ). I'll try to get some close-ups posted. The auction photos aren't great.