DHA ?

[Andrew]

This is a Burmese dha, likely from one of the Kachin (Jingpaw) tribes.

The three part handle is very typical of swords from this region/ethnic group, as is the blade profile. Similar blades do appear on swords from other areas but, in combination with the handle, I'm confident in the Kachin attribution. The oval handle cross-section isn't common, but isn't unknown--I have one in my collection that I got from Mark.

Parenthetically, the laquered cord center section isn't very common, either. I've only seen it on two other swords, both of which are believed to be Thai. Obviously, this is not necessarily a Thai feature.

The scabbard looks like a later addition, not original to the blade, nor this type of weapon. Having said that, if the scabbard is original this, in combination with the oval handle, it may indicate a NW Burmese origin to this sword as it has strong similarities to weapons that form a "nexus" between Naga sword dao and more conventional dha.

Cool sword.