First World War Enfield Kukri

mrcjgscott · 15th September 2015, 08:42 PM

First World War Enfield Kukri

These WW1 English made kukri are few and far between, with less than 15 known specimens.

They are known amongst collectors as the Enfield kukri, due to the Enfield inspection marks found at the ricasso, similar to those found on bayonets and swords of the same period. This may be a misnomer, as at least one carries the makers details of the Sheffield Cutler S&J Kitchin Ltd, which may indicate that the whole production run was contracted to commercial firms.

All the known specimens carry date markings from either 1915 or 1916, which may indicate a short production run. They are very well made pieces, light and agile fighting kukri, produced with rat tail tangs, with blade lengths of between 12 and thirteen inches. The hilts are all made of Birch. Known examples weigh between 15 and 17 ounces.

Interestingly, they frequently turn up in English made scabbards, made by the Birmingham manufacturer A. Cooper, who is best known for manufacturing leather bayonet scabbards. These scabbards appear to be designed to accommodate all current kukri patterns, and I have seen MK I and MK II kukri turn up in these scabbards, along with Enfield examples. The interior of these scabbards feature riveted spring clips to hold the various sizes of kukri in place.

My theory is that both the kukri and the scabbards were designed to serve as replacements for lost kit, as resupply from the UK to France would be much quicker than from India. It is likely that such an order was only ever considered as a short term measure, and never intended to be a permanent supply solution, which would explain their relative scarcity.

Enjoy!

Chris

15th September 2015, 08:42 PM	#1
mrcjgscott Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Posts: 189	First World War Enfield Kukri First World War Enfield Kukri These WW1 English made kukri are few and far between, with less than 15 known specimens. They are known amongst collectors as the Enfield kukri, due to the Enfield inspection marks found at the ricasso, similar to those found on bayonets and swords of the same period. This may be a misnomer, as at least one carries the makers details of the Sheffield Cutler S&J Kitchin Ltd, which may indicate that the whole production run was contracted to commercial firms. All the known specimens carry date markings from either 1915 or 1916, which may indicate a short production run. They are very well made pieces, light and agile fighting kukri, produced with rat tail tangs, with blade lengths of between 12 and thirteen inches. The hilts are all made of Birch. Known examples weigh between 15 and 17 ounces. Interestingly, they frequently turn up in English made scabbards, made by the Birmingham manufacturer A. Cooper, who is best known for manufacturing leather bayonet scabbards. These scabbards appear to be designed to accommodate all current kukri patterns, and I have seen MK I and MK II kukri turn up in these scabbards, along with Enfield examples. The interior of these scabbards feature riveted spring clips to hold the various sizes of kukri in place. My theory is that both the kukri and the scabbards were designed to serve as replacements for lost kit, as resupply from the UK to France would be much quicker than from India. It is likely that such an order was only ever considered as a short term measure, and never intended to be a permanent supply solution, which would explain their relative scarcity. Enjoy! Chris Attached Images