Two Dha’s opinions as to the origins

Ian · 31st August 2019, 10:37 PM

The larger one is northern Thai in manufacture and probably second half of 20th C. These were common bring back items by U.S. soldiers during the Vietnam war. There is an old "Classics" thread that discussed these Contemporary Thai Swords. The blades on these are usually poor quality and not meant for use. The incised "S" shapes are purely decorative and have no traditional meaning. The stamped mark on the aluminum guard is quite common on these swords.

The smaller one is Burmese, also 20th C, sometimes referred to as a "story dha" or "temple dha" by westerners. These are low quality swords also and purely decorative. This one may be pre-WWII. The hilt and sheath are usually done in brass with repousse work. Both yellow and white brass were used.

Ian.

31st August 2019, 10:37 PM	#2
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,399	The larger one is northern Thai in manufacture and probably second half of 20th C. These were common bring back items by U.S. soldiers during the Vietnam war. There is an old "Classics" thread that discussed these Contemporary Thai Swords. The blades on these are usually poor quality and not meant for use. The incised "S" shapes are purely decorative and have no traditional meaning. The stamped mark on the aluminum guard is quite common on these swords. The smaller one is Burmese, also 20th C, sometimes referred to as a "story dha" or "temple dha" by westerners. These are low quality swords also and purely decorative. This one may be pre-WWII. The hilt and sheath are usually done in brass with repousse work. Both yellow and white brass were used. Ian. Last edited by Ian; 1st September 2019 at 01:29 PM.