Assam Regiment Dao (dha,dah) ?

[Ferguson]

Found this neat little knife on Ebay for less than $20 so I figured that I couldn't go wrong. It is fairly new and unused, and seems native made. As shown in the pictures the butt cap is brass and made like those found on Kukhuris. It is 16" long, and the spine is about 3/16" (4.71mm) thick. The guard and ferrule are aluminum. The scabbard is factory made, unmarked and resembles those made for British machetes. Searching the web, I found this post which points to the origin.
English Made Kachin Dha (http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=19016&highlight=chindit)
I looks just like plate #481 (EDITED) in Flooks book. I'm wondering if it is a tourist piece, or something made for the Assam Regiment of the Indian Army? Your opinions are welcomed.
Thanks,
Steve

[drac2k]

I'm not sure if it is for military use as there aren't any proof marks on it, however, I don't think it is a tourist item either as it appears to be a well made, sturdy item totally devoid of bling.Is the scabbard leather or plastic?

[Ferguson]

I'm not sure if it is for military use as there aren't any proof marks on it, however, I don't think it is a tourist item either as it appears to be a well made, sturdy item totally devoid of bling.Is the scabbard leather or plastic?

Thanks. The scabbard is leather.

Steve

[Ian]

Ferguson:

I believe, as you say, this is a Mk III presentation Indian Machete, as shown in the Flook reference. It is unlikely to be of Afghan origin. These machete were made largely (if not exclusively) in India. The absence of military markings on the blade or leather sheath is not uncommon.

Good find!

Ian.

[Ferguson]

Ferguson:

I believe, as you say, this is a Mk III presentation Indian Machete, as shown in the Flook reference. It is unlikely to be of Afghan origin. These machete were made largely (if not exclusively) in India. The absence of military markings on the blade or leather sheath is not uncommon.

Good find!

Ian.

Thank you Ian!

I edited my initial post with the correct plate number in Ron Flook's book "British and Commonwealth Military Knives"