Recently acquired Kukri.

[mrcjgscott]

Originally Posted by sirupate

I think Jonathan originally used the word personalised, but either way personalised or dress scabbards, no, that would not have been allowed in the Gurkhas or in the British army strictly against regs.

I am not sure what Jonathan has to do with this?

Perhaps you would like to share the regulations you mention here for us to see?

I don't see why a possible regimental tradition in the Third Gurkha Rifles would be so difficult for you to believe?

I find it much harder to believe that such decorated scabbards would be taken on active service. The example on David's kukri is of tourist grade, and would not have lasted a month of field use.

Originally Posted by sirupate

The pipers were sometimes bought kothimora kukri by the CO to wear, and Mess orderlies were occasionally also given kothimora kukri to wear, as in the photo of the mess orderlies in the 10th GR in 1948 in Kuala Lumpur, who by the way were rifleman on rotation from rifle companies (obviously the mess cooks, were a different affair).

I am not really sure what bearing this has on David's kukri?

Originally Posted by sirupate

Me; no one can tell from a picture were a kukri was made, unless the picture came with relevant info or markings on the kukri clearly showing where it was made.

Absolute nonsense. Whilst there is nothing better than holding an object in your hand to evaluate it, a surprising amount can be learned from pictures. One just has to know what to look for and where to look for it.

Infact, this whole forum is based on that very fact!!

As you know, I can tell a (U) J.D. Pensioner and Sons kukri from just a photograph.

[Ian]

There is something about kukris that seems to bring out very heated debate.

Chris and Simon, it is apparent that you have very different ideas; I think you have both expressed them articulately, and neither of you want to concede on certain points. Even a casual reader of these posts will understand what you both strongly believe.

Your cases have been made. Persisting with the present argument will necessitate disciplinary action. Let's move on please.

Ian.

[mrcjgscott]

Hello Ian,

I sometimes allow passion for my subject to eclipse my manners, and I apologise if that is the case here.

Apologies also to David for hijacking your thread, I hope it doesn't put you off finding kukri number three.

Kind regards,

Chris

[sirupate]

I do tend to defend my corner about kukri Ian, it is difficult for people to concede when they have opposing views, thank you for your intervention.

[David R]

Well it arrived this afternoon, not the best example of the type but it was cheap as these go. Brass mounts, roughly forged and finished steel blade ( not plated ) with no distal taper but a good wedge section from the back to the edge, slightly hollowed unlike the Lion Head Kukri that used to be a drug on the market.
Not the original scabbard, old though it is. The Kukri fits just about, but it is a little too short for the length of blade. I think I got what I paid for, but I am somewhat disenchanted with this dealer...... the pics never realy give a decent idea of the item.

[sirupate]

That is a shame David, buying from pics can work both ways, sometimes not in one's favour, and sometimes most definitely in one's favour.
If you're able to give us clearer pictures than before that would be great, cheers Simon

[mrcjgscott]

Originally Posted by David R

Well it arrived this afternoon, not the best example of the type but it was cheap as these go. Brass mounts, roughly forged and finished steel blade ( not plated ) with no distal taper but a good wedge section from the back to the edge, slightly hollowed unlike the Lion Head Kukri that used to be a drug on the market.
Not the original scabbard, old though it is. The Kukri fits just about, but it is a little too short for the length of blade. I think I got what I paid for, but I am somewhat disenchanted with this dealer...... the pics never realy give a decent idea of the item.

Hello David,

I am sorry to hear the kukri has not lived up to expectations.

In my experience, the use of brass mounts and the rougher finish would push this to post WW2. Perhaps it was a servicemans bring back? We can never know for sure.

A shame the scabbard is not the original, which was as I feared, but it is not uncommon for these to be swapped or become mismatched over time.

Hopefully with some gentle TLC you can improve the appearance, and enjoy your new piece for what it is.

Happy hunting,

Chris