Ancient weapons. Pix. Worth a look.

Bill Martino

Bill Martino

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These are some of the personal weapons of Prithivi Narayan Shah, king of Gorkha, first king of Nepal, and organizer and commander of the world's first Gorkha fighting force. Prithivi was born in 1723 and died in 1775 so you can figure the age of these weapons pretty close.

Down at bottom center of the top photo you can see the foward curving khukuri mentioned by Yvsa -- complete arc.

The bottom photo is a closeup of the two ivory handled khukuris. How much are those worth, John? Provenance is very good.

I found these photos and some others of ancient weapons in the 10,000 pix file when I was looking for the finger grip handle for Steven. I'll post a couple of pix of these ancient weapons from time to time so we will have something to oogle.

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Uncle Bill
Himalayan Imports Website
Khukuri FAQ



[This message has been edited by Bill Martino (edited 27 November 1999).]
 
A very impressive assortment of weapons. Thanks for sharing the pix with us, Uncle Bill. I look forward to seeing more.
 
Now thats neat! like a trip to the musium. fasinating blades. Is there a name to the style of khuks in the lower center? Hard to imagine useing that much curve. Must have been a reason for it though. It would be interesting to handle and try something like that.
 
Every time I start thinking I've seen everything, something else pops up. That narrow spatulate sword toward the left of the upper picture is a new one on me. Is that a traditional Nepali weapon? What do they call it? The Pancake Flipper of Doom?

I've seen short wide spatulate blades but never a long narrow one like that.

-Cougar Allen :{)
 

Uncle Bill,

In the first picture on the lower right hand corner there are two weapons that look like what could only be called giant punch daggers. I belive the name for them is Katar, am I correct? Also any chance of getting some made?
smile.gif
I've been looking for years.
D
 
VH: If I recall right HI has imported those in the past. Dunno whether or not he could score another but it seems like it'd be worth asking about if that's what you're into.

Something else: see that Khukuri with the extreme radical forward curve, at the lower area just left of center? It almost looks like they tried to make a Khukuri that could do "punch dagger moves" like the "real" punch daggers shown, yet retained the chopping/smashing power of a Khukuri.

I'm not certain that's what they were up to but...it's an interesting line of speculation.

Jim
 
Here is the story I heard -- whether true or not I can't say. The khukuri that curves in a full arc is called a "hanshee" (sp) khukuri and is sometimes called a "ladies" khukuri.

In the days of the first Gorkhas it was not uncommon for women to join the men in combat. When they did this was their khukuri of choice -- slender, light and fast. The khukuri was worn on their belts and held there by a wooden loop. Generally no scabbard -- probably because of the extremem arc a scabbard was tough to make and the khukuri tough to draw if there was such a scabbard.

The spatula design tarwar is an ancient design so they tell me, a descendant of swords used during the time of Buddha.

I can't prove any of the above. These are campfire stories I was told and am passing them on as such.

------------------
Uncle Bill
Himalayan Imports Website
Khukuri FAQ

 
Uncle Bill,

Not to be a pest, but do you know if the "katars" that I spoke of would be available at all? I would really appreiciate any response. I first saw them when I was 8 in a really old book of weapons around tha world. I've been searching for them ever since I got my first job. Most people don't know what I'm talking about when I mention them, and then you post pics of them on the forum shortly after I start reading! Sometimes I think I'm very lucky. Once again please let me know and thanks.
- D

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Where the lion's skin will not reach, you must patch it out with the fox's.
 
Cougar, that sword you refer to is called a Khanda.

Don't get me started on the katar, I know what it feels like to get poked with one. It can cut too.
wink.gif
 
VHD: I'm sure the kamis could make a katar but we need to make more than one for it to be cost effective. Making one of anything is a hassle.

Thanks, Smoke. Now I know -- khanda. Most Nepalis call just about any sword a tarwar.

------------------
Uncle Bill
Himalayan Imports Website
Khukuri FAQ

 
Kaka,

Just a bit of info, but the Khanda is one of the styles of swords used by the Sikhs. Most pictures I've seen of them have the same style of hilt as shown in the pics. On others, the hilt is the talwar hilt without the hand guard. So far, I've only seen pics of it though, I've never been able to see a Khanda up close. I'm glad you posted the pictures on here. The pictures I've seen were mostly paintings done of battles and also of war heroes of that period in Sikh history.

Arvind
 
Uncle Bill,


So about how many takers would you need to make an attempt on the katars? Also, what did it feel like to handle one Smoke?

-D

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Where the lion's skin will not reach, you must patch it out with the fox's.
 
Katar's vary in length and weight. My teacher uses a small light version (12" with 9" blade), the handle is a pair of bars are nearly hourglass shaped slightly thicker than a pen. The blade 3" at it's widest, perhaps arount 1/4" thick.

Like the talwar/tulwar, the grip is very smooth and pure iron, which some might not like.


The area protecting the arms covers maybe extends back 8". For my hand, this particular katar's grip is smallish.
Other katar's are heavier with blades wider and longer. Some sport a (hand)guard protecting the back of the hand. This usually brings more weight and can be ornate, ex. the one I've seen resembles the hood of a striking cobra. Hence, the name, "Cobra Guard". This type is rare and will cost some $$$$.

This is an armor piercing dagger, it can cut but not like your favorite folder. Sheaths are optional and are a friction fit. During practice, it went through my shirt (poke) with no effort.

 
Yeah, Dave, you've got to keep from pestering uncle to take your money. LOL

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"All who follow the leading of God's Spirit are God's own sons." Romans 8:14


 
The earliest khukuri at the Arsenal Museum in Kathmandu is from 1627 and belonged to Raja Drabya Shah, King of Gorkha. Say the two ivory handled pieces you want me to speculate a price on could be as early as 1700 from the size and shape, especially the one without the 'standard' cho.
The scabbards would be critical in a accurate estimate, but I would put the knife on the left at $1200-$1800 and the one on the right around $2000. The museum's provenance being very important and key plus the scabbards if they're not lost in the dusts of time.
What I wouldn't do to add those to my collection.

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JP
 
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