Ariel, it is a need sum of money, and there must have been more than one bidder to get the price this high. I am really wondering who and why?

Ken, it must have been a big surprice to the auction house, as it must have been to many of the other bidders.

Next time you see an old rusty kitchen knife for sale at an auctoin, dont bid under £100, or you will loose it:-).

Actually the good news is these hilts, although in rugged condition, can be reasonably restored, and undoubtedly will be remounted with vintage blades which hopefully will be somewhat correct. As we know, many swords were indeed refurbished in this manner during their working lives as it is.

While we can hope that this remounting and restoration would be properly noted in description in the future sale of these swords, naturally it is not always the case .

It would be great if these could be photographed and catalogued in before and after condition and the key features and details carefully noted. These details could be factored into our continuing study of these forms, especially with many of these which are extremely rare.

Such a shame, interesting to see this pretty recent kukri in this picture