Old Kukri For Comment

Berkley · 5th September 2010, 05:38 PM

A straight-on photo of the butt plate could show whether it is more likely an original feature or a later addition. That information might be helpful in dating this lovely old kukri. One rule of thumb holds that butt plates began to be used around 1900.
Then again, as Bernard Levine is fond of saying, rules of thumb may poke you in the eye.

Ferguson · 5th September 2010, 08:05 PM

A lovely piece!
Steve

spiral · 5th September 2010, 09:02 PM

Its a lovely piece Lew! Id say your probably right in your date estimate, But at the very least certanly from the c.1900 to .c1930 era to my understsanding.

I like the shape & style of it.

The scabbard is also well made, so are {as Norman noted} the small knives. Id guess the handle is Sambar antler thats ground & polished, but could only be 100% certain in hand.

Berk I agree to date that most buttplates seem to appear on Wood or horn handles around c.1900 I know of 2 earlier than that, one in a Nepali collection & one a very unusual Indiam made presentation piece sold in auction in England about a decade ago, But I think they are both exceptional forerunners or possibly in the case of the Nepalese example carrying a later repair or even some accidental confusion in its identified history.

Yours looks a very dignified kukri.

Spiral

sta94 · 6th September 2010, 01:05 PM

Awesome kukri! I had been admiring it on freebooter's site debating whether to go for it or not, next thing I know it was sold!!!

Thanks for sharing with us!

5th September 2010, 05:38 PM	#1
Berkley Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Austin, Texas USA Posts: 257	A straight-on photo of the butt plate could show whether it is more likely an original feature or a later addition. That information might be helpful in dating this lovely old kukri. One rule of thumb holds that butt plates began to be used around 1900. Then again, as Bernard Levine is fond of saying, rules of thumb may poke you in the eye.

5th September 2010, 08:05 PM	#2
Ferguson Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Kernersville, NC, USA Posts: 793	A lovely piece! Steve

5th September 2010, 09:02 PM	#3
spiral Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 1,712	Its a lovely piece Lew! Id say your probably right in your date estimate, But at the very least certanly from the c.1900 to .c1930 era to my understsanding. I like the shape & style of it. The scabbard is also well made, so are {as Norman noted} the small knives. Id guess the handle is Sambar antler thats ground & polished, but could only be 100% certain in hand. Berk I agree to date that most buttplates seem to appear on Wood or horn handles around c.1900 I know of 2 earlier than that, one in a Nepali collection & one a very unusual Indiam made presentation piece sold in auction in England about a decade ago, But I think they are both exceptional forerunners or possibly in the case of the Nepalese example carrying a later repair or even some accidental confusion in its identified history. Yours looks a very dignified kukri. Spiral

6th September 2010, 01:05 PM	#4
sta94 Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 16	Awesome kukri! I had been admiring it on freebooter's site debating whether to go for it or not, next thing I know it was sold!!! Thanks for sharing with us!