Shan Burmese Dagger

Dagger (Dha Hmyaung) with Carved Ivory Hilt & Silver Mounts

This short sword is notable for its fine condition and its superb patina. It is from the Shan people of eastern Burma. The scabbard is of wood encased with near-pure hammered sheet silver decorated with applied silver filigree. The chape is unadorned and flares slightly at its end. The single-edged steel blade fits snugly into the scabbard.

The handle comprises a segment of silver decorated with further silver filigree bands and a short piece of thick ivory pointed at the end.

Thick red cotton cord has been wound around the scabbard to allow the dagger to be worn suspended from the waist.

The ivory, like the silver, has a wonderful patina suggesting significant age and use. Overall, this is a very pleasing example of a

dha hmyaung dagger. There are no losses and the excellent applied silver decoration is to both sides of the scabbard.