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View Full Version : An Interesting Chopper....But From Where??


CharlesS
30th January 2012, 08:21 PM
I just picked up this curious chopper. It's very heavy, sits in a stand-up scabbard, mostly exposed, and has a beautifully carved wooden hilt with a heavy brass ferrule.. It is 23in. overall, with an 18in. blade that is rather crudely forged and 3in. wide at its widest point.

When I first saw this one in pics, I thought it might be Indonesian. But having now seen and handled it, with particular reference to the hilt that shares some features that seem similar to some kukri hilts, I am more inclined to think it is a sacrificial chopper from NE India or Nepal.

I am certainly still open to any ideas, and look forward to any insights and feedback.

Please have a look and let me know what you think.

Sajen
30th January 2012, 08:35 PM
Hi Charles,

don't know from where it is, but it is beautiful! :) Malaysia?

Regards,

Detlef

kahnjar1
30th January 2012, 08:52 PM
Not exactly my field BUT..............the pommel looks like a Lotus so could be either SE Asian OR India/Nepal/Tibet. I would think most likely from a Buddhist country. A most unusual and lovely piece. Well done!
Stu

laEspadaAncha
30th January 2012, 11:26 PM
Something about that scabbard recalls to my eye some of the more stylized lantaka stands. That, combined with the pommel (again to my untrained eye) appear to be Indonesian. :shrug:

ETA: I really like the profile of that blade... very appealing to the eye. :)

Rick
30th January 2012, 11:59 PM
I lean more toward Southeast Asian/Malay than India . :shrug:
The sprouting hilt motif is quite Indonesian, IMO .





I could even be talked into suggesting Sumatra . :o

Nathaniel
31st January 2012, 03:50 AM
Wow, love it when something turns up most haven't seen! Beautiful piece! Thanks for sharing Charles!

VVV
31st January 2012, 12:13 PM
Interesting chopper.
Sumatra (like Rick said) and after WWII IMHO.

Michael

CharlesS
2nd February 2012, 04:00 PM
Michael,

I think this is some sort of tool chopper(perhaps sacrificial). It seems rather awkward as a weapon, especially the weight by Indonesian standards. The lack of quality of the blade, other than thickness, seems to add confirmation to that, and I can't imagine that it is more then 70 or so years old, but clearly has seen heavy use.

Can you post something from your collection with a similar style hilt for reference? Thanks in advance.

Rick
2nd February 2012, 04:51 PM
Sumatran

VVV
2nd February 2012, 06:48 PM
Hi Charles,

I don't have anything exactly resembling but besides the hilt the open and curved scabbard is a tell for Sumatra too.

Michael

PS Here is the closest I could find but I have seen more resembling scabbards to yours at for instance a well-known SE Asian dealer's web site.

CharlesS
2nd February 2012, 07:02 PM
I am very familiar with the Sumatran hilts that Rick has posted(and thanks!),
but structurally, doesn't this kukri hilt have as much or more in common with the chopper hilt???

I do see alot more similarities with VVV's examples.

Henk
2nd February 2012, 09:39 PM
It is Sumatran as already said. This style of hilt is found on keris panjang.
Take a look at this thread. http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=9872&highlight=execution+keris

Rick
3rd February 2012, 01:56 AM
I am very familiar with the Sumatran hilts that Rick has posted(and thanks!),
but structurally, doesn't this kukri hilt have as much or more in common with the chopper hilt???

I do see alot more similarities with VVV's examples.

I think it comes down to the bifurcated appearance of the Sumatran examples that have been shown .
when I look at the handle of your chopper I see a sprouting foliage/vegetable motif .
When I look at the kukri hilt you show, I do not see that resemblance; I see rings concavely tapered into each other .

Then there is the hilt material itself; Sandalwood ?
Very light colored for Kukri Country . :shrug: :)

CharlesS
3rd February 2012, 12:31 PM
Thanks for the pics and input guys!

Atlantia
18th February 2012, 10:33 PM
It's a good looking piece Charles.
The 'sprouting flower' type hilt seems to be widely used.