interesting rig

John Powell

John Powell

Joined
Mar 9, 1999
Messages
1,440
An interesting set-up with a very well made "fitted" scabbard. The pockets appearing on the front for the replaced k&c are unique. The blade, while of quality steel, doesn't reflect any of the expected finesse with both the twin fullers and cho being poorly done. The brass bolster isn't typical nor is the curved buttplate and keeper which are all well fitted to the horn grip. It seems to be a Queen's crown stamped on the ricasso.

Just starting the research on this 16.5" kukri and its unique "Jodphur" scabbard so your comments and observations are welcomed.
fitted.jpg
 
Hi John,

Well this is an interesting exercise!

Heres my initial observations & thoughts.

I would say the kukri & scabbard are definatly Indian.

I would say the kukri is post 1902 & is Pre.1947

Possibly sometime between 1937 & 1947?

To my eye the likness crown stamp more closely resembles the Imperial (State) Crown, Rather than the currant St Edward's Crown (often called by badge collectors the Queen's Crown).

The Imperial (State) Crown was originally designed and made for Queen Victoria in 1838 and was used at the coronations of Edward VII and George V. It was remade for George VI in 1937. It looks most like the 1937 versian to me.But I am no expert on Heraldry but a study of coins, from the relevant years may help clarify this.

I Look forward to hearing the result of your research & your opinion on my opinions!

Cheers,
Regards,
Spiral
 
I'm not particularly knowledgable on these things but comparing the crown to that on some of my deactivated firearms I agree with the comments above, it does not look like the WW2 era crown. Then again I have no idea how the markings usually compare with other weapons of the era so I think its a case of sit back and watch the experts on this one...
 
More interesting the more I look at it.

non-traditional elements I think.
Something someone here might come up with
when thinking about a custom khuk.
Very practical 'modern' elements/adaptations.

blade edge ends abruptly before the cho,
more like a western blade.

two keeper straps with buckles,
one for blade,
one for karda/chakma.
Someone wanted it to stay put,
no matter what.

Sword of Shiva seems further than usual
down from the spine.

Sort of a wide sirupate profile curving into the grip.

Belt loop is attached,
but narrow.
the whole scabbard is going to swing pretty freely
from wherever on the belt it's hung.

kardas is front arguably make the scabbard profile lower.

Since you say it's unique I'm going to make some guesses.

Some individual wanted/needed a khuk for work
and had certain ideas of what they needed.

Maybe an upper rank British military man.
Upper ranks probably more likely to commission a custom piece?
And who else would put a buckle to be undone before
removing a khuk from a quickdraw scabbard.

This was someone who was very active;
running, sitting, jumping, crouching;
who was also in close contact with the Gurkhas
to know the effectiveness of the khukuri.

I though at first of a horseman,
but I think a horseman would choose a belt-strap that
held the khuk more firmly with less movement,
and maybe higher; maybe even a lateral draw.

Whoever; they wanted it secure until needed,
despite any type of physical activity,
but they weren't worried about needing it suddenly.
 
JP, The crown is interesting it looks more like an abstract between the Queen Vic crown and what badge collectors refer to as the Kings crown to me, My guess is that it is neither but rather a stylized ''crown'' of no special type if it wasn't for the Kukri itself you would lead more to wards a Queen Vic crown than anything.
Overall very interesting piece, will be nice to see what your research uncovers. R
 
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