First World War Officers Kukri's

mrcjgscott · 20th November 2015, 09:43 PM

The next two examples are regimentally etched on the blades to the 4th Gurkha Rifles.

I have seen around eight of these over the years, some of which have officers names etched in presentation to the blade. They are all exceptionally well made, with horn handles and silver bands imitating traditional carved grip rings.

Some are found in elaborate silver mounted kothimora scabbards, others in plainer “field service” scabbards, with silver chapes. On one occasion the chape had been painted to “subdue” any reflection.

Again, like swords of the period, it is possible that these kukris were commissioned with both “dress” and field service scabbards. Both of my examples also come with silver mounted chakmak and karda.

mrcjgscott · 20th November 2015, 09:44 PM

One last one for the moment.

This example may just be a one off presentation piece, with no sure attribution to an officer, but worth sharing here in this thread.

It has a horn grip, with a skilfully worked silver pommel cap displaying the badge of the 1st Gurkha Rifles, crossed kukri, with a numeral “1” below. Each side of the blade has also been etched with a kukri.

David R · 20th November 2015, 09:45 PM

Excellent pieces, thanks for posting these.

Battara · 20th November 2015, 10:09 PM

Yes very interesting, thank you.

mrcjgscott · 21st November 2015, 12:08 AM

My pleasure gents,

Just another facet of this versatile weapon. I am sure there are many more variations out there waiting to be discovered.

20th November 2015, 09:43 PM	#1
mrcjgscott Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Posts: 189	The next two examples are regimentally etched on the blades to the 4th Gurkha Rifles. I have seen around eight of these over the years, some of which have officers names etched in presentation to the blade. They are all exceptionally well made, with horn handles and silver bands imitating traditional carved grip rings. Some are found in elaborate silver mounted kothimora scabbards, others in plainer “field service” scabbards, with silver chapes. On one occasion the chape had been painted to “subdue” any reflection. Again, like swords of the period, it is possible that these kukris were commissioned with both “dress” and field service scabbards. Both of my examples also come with silver mounted chakmak and karda. Attached Images

20th November 2015, 09:44 PM	#2
mrcjgscott Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Posts: 189	One last one for the moment. This example may just be a one off presentation piece, with no sure attribution to an officer, but worth sharing here in this thread. It has a horn grip, with a skilfully worked silver pommel cap displaying the badge of the 1st Gurkha Rifles, crossed kukri, with a numeral “1” below. Each side of the blade has also been etched with a kukri. Attached Images

20th November 2015, 09:45 PM	#3
David R Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Posts: 1,131	Excellent pieces, thanks for posting these.

20th November 2015, 10:09 PM	#4
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,325	Yes very interesting, thank you.

21st November 2015, 12:08 AM	#5
mrcjgscott Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Posts: 189	My pleasure gents, Just another facet of this versatile weapon. I am sure there are many more variations out there waiting to be discovered.