Caveat Emptor

John Powell

John Powell

Joined
Mar 9, 1999
Messages
1,440
EBay currently has two examples of a kukri that I have warned you about as being a replica. It's not even that, since it is not based on an authentic WW I kukri but the markings are. I am hoping the sellers are offering this in good faith because these are no more than 30 years old.

Here's one: #1062297475 and the other is being offered by a reputable dealer who gives an excellent book as a reference, but when you look up the knife it's nothing like what is being offered.

The first has closed at $315 without meeting its reserve price! I sincerely hope no one from this forum has been bidding.

Buyer beware.
 
Wasn't one I was bidding on in any case...

It looks rather too new for 1917 anyway. The cho is funny-looking too, or is that the way a 1917 Indian Army kukri would look?

B.
 
Thanks, John. I was hoping someone would mention those "WW I" khukuries.
You can get one of those khuks (I don't know if it's marked) from The Sportsmans Guide (home of the world's tackiest catalog) for about 19-20 bucks. Probably worth it, too.

--Mike L.
 
I knew they were still around someplace since they are being manufactured as we speak.

Beo, there was no Indian Army in 1917 and no pure Gurkha Regiments since until 1947 it was the British Indian Army. This kukri looks nothing like any model ever issued. The handle vaguely resembles the post 1947 pieces that were used for a while.

How could anyone think these knives are 85 years old?
 
Originally posted by John Powell
Beo, there was no Indian Army in 1917 and no pure Gurkha Regiments since until 1947 it was the British Indian Army.
Click to expand...

OK, I do know this. But pre-1947 the (British) Indian Army was generally referred to simply as the Indian Army since there wasn't any other 'Indian' army (well, excepting Chandra Bose's traitorious pro-Japanese one, but that's not until round WWII). So that the (British) Indian Army is what I meant, though I can't speak for the seller.

Originally posted by John Powell
This kukri looks nothing like any model ever issued. The handle vaguely resembles the post 1947 pieces that were used for a while.

How could anyone think these knives are 85 years old?
Click to expand...

Does that 'bulging cho' exist on any 'true' kukris? I don't like it one way or another. :barf:

B.
 
How could anyone think these knives are 85 years old?
Click to expand...

This is a little like those "genuine primitive bowie" knives made from files that keep poping up everywhere, even within fairly advanced collections. Where there is an information vacum unscrupulous dealers will make stuff up to sell junk at inflated prices. The story may even starts to spead in published works like "primitive knives" did in Madison Grant's The Knife in Homespun America.

Anyway, I confess I have one of these well marked khukuries which I was lucky enough to buy a while back for about $50 . The only thing worse than the story was the quality - but, it was worth the laugh and the experience. Just note the dealer and move on.

This one looks like the "Officer Model" that Atlanta Cutlery use to sell for $29.00. Though, A.C. gets some credit, at least their version didn't have the superflous markings.

n2s
 
Thanks for alert. I think most of the forumites are too savvy to get duped but the heads up is still certainly appreciated.
 
Did you guys see the "authentic WWII V force" kukri? Looks to me like a post-war Indian knife with a fake badge on the buttcap...for $975!:eek: :eek:

It hasn't gotten any bids yet, and no wonder - you could get a decent WWII Katana for that!
 
Matt, the 'V-Force' kukri is a standard 1945/post war Indian made kukri that was used as a commemorative piece. The V-Force was for real and although there was no official symbol for this group this piece was deemed authentic by some pretty respected medal/badge experts in England. As long as the seller doesn't claim this as a specially made model that was used in the field by the V-Force he's not misrepresenting anything.

This kukri was recently sold at auction in the UK for $536 including commission. While I personally think the reserve price of $975 is too high a specialty collector of WW II 'guerilla' or spec ops may be willing to pay that.

I have seen quite a few mediocre kukris with a regimental or parachutist's badge attached as a buttplate although these models are certainly not issue. This uniqueness would certainly add a few bucks for the unwary buyer wanting a 'real' marked kukri.
 
Thanks for the info, John. At least that makes the knife a genuine collector piece, and no, I don't think the seller claimed it had actually been used by spec-ops. If it's just a commemorative though, it still seems awfully expensive.
 
2SHARP,
Few yrs. ago at a gun show couple of dealers came to me an asked that I look at a Bowie, a dealer was selling for $1400 wanted my opinion! P/U & looked at it started laughing, guy gave me a song & dance!I thanked him gave it back & walked away,still laughing! Guys said,"well"? 2SHARP, it was an ATLANTA cutlery blade stained & aged, with a stained & aged wooden handle!People out there,at times ,put a lot of work making fakes!!Be thankful we have people like JP,YOU,IVSA,WAL,BLUES * BILL to help keep us from making stupid mistakes!Stop,think & appreciate,they give us their hard earned knowledge for free! thanks guys!
jim
 
I'll tell the story one more time.

While I was looking at some antique khukuris in a small shop in Kathmandu this Indian fellow approached me.

"Looking for antique khukuris?"

"Yes."

"I can get you all you want. We can age a khukuri 100 years in a day."

The kicker is he could. I can't tell the difference between a really good fake and the real thing and that's why I stay away from "antique" khukuris.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top