Falklands War Kukri

harrywagner · 23rd February 2016, 05:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by David

It is true that Gurkhas were employed in the Falkland War by the British so i guess it's possible, but why do you believe this particular weapon is related to that. I can't make out any commemorative inscriptions that would tie this weapon to that conflict, but your photos are pretty small and don't show a great deal of detail.

Hi David, Sorry about the crappy photos. The badge near the throat of the sheath is that of the 7th Ghurka Rifles, and I have been able to find a couple of Web sites with similar knives. Not exact, but very close. I thought I would ask because it seems older to me than nine years. It's not a big deal though. I like the knife. I am just trying to determine if it belongs in the 'Contemporary Arms' catalog or the 'Vintage and Antique' catalog. Thanks! I appreciate the help.

Battara · 23rd February 2016, 07:52 PM

Well since this is a living tradition, and the Gurkhas are still in service in several parts of the former British Empire, the kukri in question may be contemporary, but not a fake or reproduction, but a part of a living history. One day it will be antique.

A nice piece in any case and congratulations on a piece of history!

kahnjar1 · 24th February 2016, 12:49 AM

The Gurkha unit which served in the Falklands War was the 7th Duke of Edinburgh's Own Gurkha Rifles. IF this is a commemorative Kukhri, which I personally doubt, then the badge would be that of the particular Unit. I do not see that badge on your item though the pics are rather blurred.
Stu

harrywagner · 24th February 2016, 02:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kahnjar1

The Gurkha unit which served in the Falklands War was the 7th Duke of Edinburgh's Own Gurkha Rifles. IF this is a commemorative Kukhri, which I personally doubt, then the badge would be that of the particular Unit. I do not see that badge on your item though the pics are rather blurred.
Stu

Good catch Stu. Thanks. It is not the 7th. I was mistaken. If you google "gurkha rifles falklands kukri" you'll see knives described as 7th presentation. Some of them look similar, but not exact. This looks like a presentation piece to me, but I agree, not to anyone in the 7th. The silver mounts on the sheath are thin, but it's a nice knife otherwise - for a presentation piece. Some better photos attached.

kahnjar1 · 24th February 2016, 04:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by harrywagner

Good catch Stu. Thanks. It is not the 7th. I was mistaken. If you google "gurkha rifles falklands kukri" you'll see knives described as 7th presentation. Some of them look similar, but not exact. This looks like a presentation piece to me, but I agree, not to anyone in the 7th. The silver mounts on the sheath are thin, but it's a nice knife otherwise - for a presentation piece. Some better photos attached.

If this is indeed a presentation piece I would have expected the silverwork to be of better quality.........

harrywagner · 24th February 2016, 03:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kahnjar1

If this is indeed a presentation piece I would have expected the silverwork to be of better quality.........

I would be very surprised if it wasn't a presentation piece. It's too pretty for everyday use. It was probably presented to someone in a relatively low-level position, given the quality of the piece. I am happy it is not Falkland Island related. I am going to put this one down as presentation, unknown recipient, second-half 20th. Hopefully that is not too far from the mark. Thanks for the help!

Harry

Battara · 24th February 2016, 06:21 PM

Oh no question that this is a presentation piece. However, the old master silver-smiths may be long gone, and so we have who is left.

Now if this were for a king................

24th February 2016, 12:49 AM	#3
kahnjar1 Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: CHRISTCHURCH NEW ZEALAND Posts: 2,810	The Gurkha unit which served in the Falklands War was the 7th Duke of Edinburgh's Own Gurkha Rifles. IF this is a commemorative Kukhri, which I personally doubt, then the badge would be that of the particular Unit. I do not see that badge on your item though the pics are rather blurred. Stu Attached Images

23rd February 2016, 07:52 PM	#2
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,342	Well since this is a living tradition, and the Gurkhas are still in service in several parts of the former British Empire, the kukri in question may be contemporary, but not a fake or reproduction, but a part of a living history. One day it will be antique. A nice piece in any case and congratulations on a piece of history!

24th February 2016, 06:21 PM	#7
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,342	Oh no question that this is a presentation piece. However, the old master silver-smiths may be long gone, and so we have who is left. Now if this were for a king................