Further research now inclines me to the opinion that the hilt may in fact be "Gutta-percha" a naturally occurring mould-able material in industrial use from the mid 19th century. It was used for sword hilts from that period on, and so would be a sensible choice for use on a Kukri. Gutta-percha seems to have been the wonder material of the 19th C, falling into disuse because of the overuse and collapse of the supply rather than any failure of function, and is still used today though in smaller mounts.
Quote from Wikipedia "A brief history: 'Even long before Gutta-percha was introduced into the western world, it was used in a less processed form by the natives of the Malaysian archipelago for making knife handles, walking sticks and other purposes."
|