Burmese / Siamese Sword w/ Elephant Pommel

[Jack Loomes]

South East Asian Elephant-head Short Sword, probably for an English officer in the service of the Siamese Court. What makes this piece extremely interesting to me is that the style and quality of manufacture and finish seem to point to a European and particularly, an English maker of the period. It is very similar in quality to contemporary English naval dirks, most notably in the chequered animal tooth grip, crossguard and scabbard decoration. This could actually be a piece that was made to order from a British manufacturer and sent to an English officer in service in the Far East. I cannot find any comparable examples in my books or on the net and would welcome any input. The hilt is very finely detailed, with an elephant pommel, long chequered animal tooth grip and down-turned, dragon-head quillons. The blade has traces of a trailing engraved decoration. It comes complete with a well made brass scabbard. A fascinating and intriguing piece and worthy of further study. In excellent condition for its age - age crack to handle near crossguard and small crack to reverse. Blade very clean.

Blade length is 18 inches (25 inches overall).

Source: www.ebay.com.au/itm/UNIQUE-C-1800S-S-E-ASIAN-ELEPHANT-POMMEL-SHORT-SWORD-FOR-ENGLISH-OFFICER-/301258313414?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4624650ec6&_uhb=1