Does anyone have an idea about this blade?

[sirupate]

A friend of mine asked me if this was Nepalese, personally I don't think so, I haven't seen one in Nepal in the villages I have been in, nor is there an example in any of the museums, but open to suggestions.
The confusion may come from the name given Tabar/Tarabar by those that sold it, but speaking to a kami Tabar/Tarabar is another word used for Tulwar by some of the less educated Nepalese, and it certainly isn't a Tulwar, so opinions greatly appreciated, cheers Simon

[David R]

Philippine? It looks very like some of the stuff from there posted here.

[sirupate]

Thanks for that David, the Philippines did cross my mind

[Sajen]

Sorry, I doubt the Philippine origin. When I remember correct I've seen not long ago a similar sword sold by ebay described as Nepalese sword. :shrug:

Regards,
Detlef

[Tim Simmons]

This type of big knife is Northern Indian/Nepal. I had a few and they are now distributed amongst members here.

[sirupate]

Northern India maybe, but I very much doubt the Nepalese connection, I've had three Nepalese come back to me so far since I first posted here, including a kami, a former Captain (Nepalese) in the Gurkhas and a good friend, none of them recognise it so far, others to come back to me.

Why not the Philippines by the way? I have seen similar stuff out there

[sirupate]

Panay Tenegre (Wiki) and a Pinute from here, posted by Laban tayo, whilst not exactly the same they show some similarity

[Rick]

The carving on the scabbard doesn't look right for Philippine work .
The only similarity I can see is in the type of guard . :shrug:

[Ian]

Sorry, I doubt the Philippine origin. When I remember correct I've seen not long ago a similar sword sold by ebay described as Nepalese sword. :shrug:

Regards,
DetlefI would agree with Detlef. This does not look Filipino.

Ian

[Tim Simmons]

you can see origins here

http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=2168&highlight=nepalese+bowie

[Jim McDougall]

Outstanding discourse here!!
I like the way this item definitely had elements which spoke to both Filipino as well as Nepal. It seems to be Nepal has a remarkable diversity in their weaponry, which seem to have been stereotyped into kora and kukri....but few realize the spectrum is much wider.

In looking at this, my first inclination was also Philippines,as the blade, upturned open knuckleguard and general character recalled general Spanish colonial espada type features. However, my very limited knowledge of kukri still suggested that hilt looks very much like that of the kukri in general.

While both sides in examining this had sound perspectives and views, it is a pleasure to see the remarkable knowledge displayed from opposing positions in establishing the closing results.

Thank you gentlemen!

[Tim Simmons]

There are picture in the archive of kukri with the same decoration carved scabbards. You will have to plough your way through so many threads.

[Silver John]

The scabbard looks to have an almost identical style carving to many kukri scabbards I have seen (perhaps a dozen or more). It's Nepalese alright, at least the scabbard is.

Here are some very similar examples. Images from Google, I hope I haven't breached a rule.

[mrcjgscott]

Hi Simon,

Here is one of mine, I believe some people think they are Deccani or northern Bengal/Nepal border region in origin.

The various similarities to kukri are hard to ignore. They are usually found housed in carved wooden scabbards similar to those found on "box" kothimora.

I hope that helps.

Kind regards,

Chris

[Gavin Nugent]

http://australianmuseum.net.au/image/nepalese-sword-e28583

Gavin

[mrcjgscott]

Interesting link Gavin,

A nice MkI they show on the next page...

http://australianmuseum.net.au/image/nepalese-knife-e30483

Many interesting kukri have emerged from Turkey.

Kind regards,

Chris

[kai]

2 more examples.

The carving work doesn't look Indo nor Filipino to me, too. The blades don't have a chisel grind making any similarity with Visayan blades spurious IMHO.

Could these blades be from a minority in Nepal and neighbouring areas (Newari, etc.?).

Best wishes,
Kai

[sirupate]

Hi guys,

First of all a huge thanks to everyone for their input, and thank you Chris for that link.

I haven't replied before because I was waiting for a reply from Lt. Col. Cross and Buddhiman Gurung.

It turns out the JPX and Buddhiman have one, that belonged to the famed Bhakti Thapa, it is kept in Lamjung with some of Bhakti Thapa's other weapons and the khunda used for Dashain.

I wonder with Nepal being sandwiched between China and India, that that is how that type of guard came to be used in Nepal? and did the Chinese take it to the Philippines?

Once again, thank you for all the input, all the best Simon