Afghan military khukuri ,1895

John Powell

John Powell

Joined
Mar 9, 1999
Messages
1,440
Here is a very interesting khukuri that is armoury marked and dated. Besides being a massive piece the design is interesting with the square nut holding the uniquely shaped grip. The other feature besides it being 'backward' is the leather retaining strap at the base of the grip (shown in closeup)that is very secure. There is no provision for a karda and chakma, the carrying straps and frog are very well made as is the blade.

Lots of research still to be done as I have only seen one other.
<img src=http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=1282361&a=10893420&p=51897850>
 
Hi John, This is really a very interesting Kuk. It's quite a handsome knife. Do you think that the square nut is original or was added at some time later in its life.
I have another question to you John and other serious collectors, where do you dig these great old kuks up?
 
Here is the mark. The Islamic date was qouted me by an expert in the field. The armoury mark is still being researched, but the consensus is Afghani. I hope someone can provide more information.
<img src=http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=1282361&a=10467689&p=51910532>
 
Hmmm, it worked before. Sorry 'bout that. I'll try to resend later. Yes, PhotoPoint is alive and apparently purchased by its parent corporation. According to the letter sent out to its members everything is back on track.
 
I posted the 'mark' picture under my other thread. Here, I'll try again. Any feedback would be great!
<img src=http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=1282361&a=10893420&p=51910532>
 
John
Any chance of a bit more detail on how the retaining strap works (maybe a peek at the back) ? - looks like a simple, very effective way of keeping the whole rig together.
 
A beautiful continuous curved spine from tip of point to cap of butt.
 
LT,
It is a simple system, but not needed on the HI pieces I guess. Guys are always trying to stretch the scabbard to give the knife a little more play.

This has a strap attched to the top of the frog, then wraps around the bolster once and is secured by the large brass keeper.

Here are some close ups:
<img src=http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=1282361&a=10467689&p=52005393>
 
On the strap, get a copy of Museum Replicas Ltd. ( Or what ever they call themselves. They sell a double-wrap sword belt that should make the strap on John's picture click into place in your mind.
 
I have no idea why these links are failing. One minute they're up, next thing they're in ether space. Any ideas/suggestions?

I will re-edit the picture back in when PhotoPoint is 'linking' again.
 
Thanks for posting the pic John. I love the lines on that one. Have you ever actually used anything like it or an M43? I love the looks of this style so much that I might buy an original if I can find one I can afford. Do you know if the ones marked "tempered steel-India Allied" make good users? Sorry for all the questions, thanks for any info.

Patrick
 
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