February calendar from JP

[Berkley]

JP is having some computer "issues" and asked me to post this for him.
"The painting is of the 5th Gurkha Rifles at a pivotal battle in Afghanistan, 2 December 1878. The original hangs in the National Army Museum.

The kukri could be a piece specially made for a Gurkha Regiment or Battalion stationed on or near the Afghan Border. While there is reference to kukris being produced during campaigns I can find no particular description or note of this particular knife.

It has many non-traditional features and is imprinted with a cartouche of an Afghani maker plus a very unique scabbard/frog assembly. The maze of straps include one to secure the knife via the visible brass stud and the long straps do attach to the 1871 issue Valise equipment which holds the unit seurely on the right side up along the rib cage. 20.5" from tip to the square tang nut and a hefty 1 lb 15 oz "

 

[munk]

Thanks to you and Mr. Powell for sharing this with us.




munk

 

[ALBPM]

Some more History:

Battle of Peiwar Kotal. December 2nd 1878. The 2nd Afghan war, was caused by the friendly relations between the Aghan leader, Shere Ali and the Russain Czar Alexander II, which was not in the interests of Britian. A British Indian force of 3,200 men marched from India into the Hostile country of Afghanistan. An Army of 18,000 Afghans blocked the passage at the Peiwar Kotal (pass). The British Commander General Frederick Roberts by excellent maneuvering, managed to defeat the Afghans and routing them form their strong positions, in doing so also captured their 11 artillery pieces. General Roberts then continued onwards to Occupy Kabul.

http://www.britishempire.co.uk/forces/armycampaigns/indiancampaigns/peiwarkotal.htm

 

[Ad Astra]

Always a treat, and appreciated.


Mike

 

[kamagong]

I've always loved this khukuri. This is one that I really wish had a HI version.

 

[Kazeryu]

:foot: this post removed.

 

[Svashtar]

Thanks as always to John Powell and to you Berkley for posting his work. My home and work systems get a new beautiful background calendar every month now thanks to you.

Regards,

Norm

 

[Fiddleback]

Beautiful work as always. There is so much to look forward to on this forum. At the beginning of every month we have these treats. There is the deals of the day. And, my favorite, the generosity of the members here. Thanks Berk and you too John.