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Originally Posted by sirupate
Kukri inspection in 1946, for the Victory Celebrations of WW2 on the 8th June.
The photo (GM in Winchester) shows patterns on the scabbards of their issued kukri. This being only a part the original 'Official Photograph', the kukri and scabbards would have to be 'Official Kit', as they were due to take part in the parades and marches through London.
Not all military scabbards were plain, one has to remember that in WW2
96, 600.00 kukri had to be found/produced and issued for the Gurkhas alone, not including refitting and rebuilt battalions such as the 2/7th and 2/9th Gurkhas.
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Hello Simon,
I don't remember declaring that "patterns" or decorations were a no no for military kukri?
It is interesting to note however, that when one views the photograph as a whole, rather than the neatly cropped close up you provide, that only the two NCO's are holding decorated scabbards.
Perhaps senior NCO's were permitted the distinction of a "dress" scabbard whilst on parade? Whether such a scabbard would be sanctioned, or even practical during active service is quite another matter.
Either way, the style and method of decoration used on the NCO's kukri in the photograph is quite different from the one on David's kukri, which is more commonly found on the cheaper, post WW2 tourist "lionshead" variety. (Image attached)
As I said previously, scabbards are easily interchanged over a period of time, so it is best not to read too much into it.
Kind regards,
Chris