Hi Jukka,

Happy New Year and thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry.

This is a dha (alternatively spelled "da" or "dah") from Burma (now Myanmar); it features the typical characteristics of having a slightly curved, single-edged blade with guardless hilt that was used for combat, ceremonial occasions, demonstrations and as a daily tool. The writing on it is Burmese, in Sanskrit-like characters. Based on the style of the carving on the handle and the casting of the scabbard, this is probably 18th or 19th Century and I would say was probably used NOT used as a daily tool but for more formal occasions, including possibly battle.

When these come to auction today, they typically sell for between € 300-500 or 18.000-30.000 Philippine pesos.
Based on the photos and information provided, and subject to examination, this is:

An antique Burmese damascened steel and wooden Dha
Myanmar, 18th or 19th Century
The wooden hilt with knob end and carved with animals and vine motifs fitted to a damascened steel with figures and script inscriptions, accompanied by a cast steel scabbard.
Approximately 36 inches (91 cm) long
CONDITION: This Dha appears to be in generally good condition with wear commensurate to age and use.
PROVENANCE: Inherited
€ 300-500*
*represents a fair-market value for auction purposes; retail or asking price may vary.

Please let us know if you have additional items to appraise, or questions/concerns, and thank you again for using Mearto.
~ Delia