khukuri ghurka knife information

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lomaximus77

Joined
Jan 23, 2012
Messages
3
hello everyone
I have just bought a old looking khukuri knife which looks different to others that i have seen before was looking for some information if anybody could help
It is about 17 inches long dark blade
white metal handle ovoid brass bottom and top to it and has 143 stamped on it no other marks
i will add some pictures soon to make it easier to identify
cheers all http://i1153.photobucket.com/albums/p503/lomaximus77/PIC_0044_01.jpg
 
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Welcome to the forums:) We'd love to see what you've got there. Lots of very knowledgeable folks around these parts:)
I'm going to kick this over to the Cantina as it is a little off topic. No harm, no foul:)

Can't wait to see this khuk of yours:)

Once again, WELCOME:D
 
Looks like a neat old blade to me:) You really seem to run across some nice pieces on your side of the pond thanks to the British/Nepali relationship over the years. However, I am incredibly ignorant on these things. Hopefully, one of the experts will be along shortly.:)
 
I don't have a clue on that one Lomax. I have seen the aluminum alloy handled khuks and read they were military issue, but that's all I've seen. I was surprised to learn they used metal handles. I would figure it would be slippery and hot/cold on the hand, but war time production causes strange things to be used. It's a nice looking khuk. I wonder if these khuks came with little aluminum handled karda and chakma:) Good luck with your search and please let us know how it turns out.
 
I suggest you contact the Gurkha Museum, Winchester: LINK . I believe their collection includes several kukris similar to yours, attributed to the 8th Gurkha Rifles c. WWII. They may be able to help with the significance of the marking. Congratulations on your find.
 
Nice kukri!

One of these from the 8th Gurkha rifles was presented to General John colderidge {although placed in a silver embelished scabbard.} In 1945. It was given to the National Army Museam in 1947.

The history of some of these is interesting.

From. Lt. Col. Huxford Official Regimental History, published in 1952.

“As Government kukri were unobtainable, the Centre (Regimental Centre at Quetta) developed its own kukri industry. A large number of kukri manufacturors and other skilled artisans were imported, and within a few months it was possible to equip all drafts with weapons of the finest design and make. Considering that only available material was scrap, such as springs from derelict motor cars and odds and ends of old metal parts, and that the workshops were covered huts with no facilities for manufacturer, these craftsmen put up a fine effort which astonished visitors.”

Some of these style are still made today in India & the Oz. collector Inveterate has a numbered & provinanced piece probably dating from the 60s or 70s. That I recall is from the 2/8 th Gorkha rifles.

Berk is right its worth asking the Gurkha museam about these although if the number is just a "last 3" rather than a "entire" 3 figure number it does get harder to trace many soldiers from that even by WW2.

Spiral
 
Been doing a little bi of didding does this sound right
Soldier number 143 in the 2 nd battalion of the 8 th regiment of the Gurkha rifles 1907 1947 WW 1 into WW 2
i just dont know
contacted the museum still waiting on that one

thanks for all of your help so far
 
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