Please help to identify this dagger

[Jim McDougall]

Originally Posted by Tatyana Dianova

Hi Rod,
I have never heard about Afghani Kukris… It would be very nice if you will post some examples of them here, as well as the mentioned Afghani pieces. I often rely on the general feeling too when attributing pieces, but knowledge is better

I must say I have never really been aware of Afghan kukris either, but such examples I would imagine would be esoteric enough for knowledge of them to be relegated to those who study and specialize in kukris. I am wondering if these would be related to the 1880's-turn of the century, when the Afghan government began to adopt many British influences, especially in military fashion. In fact, now that I think of it, those distinct Afghan military swords with European style hilts of the 1880's that were used into the 20th century, also had this deep and dramatic fullering.
I suppose that would present some support for the Afghan attribution as well as the other features noted in the thread.
The Afghan army was not only wearing British 'Albert' helmets, but some wearing kilts as well! It does not seem unlikely that the kukri of the famed Gurkha units would not be of some influence also.

I still cannot get the Transcaucasian thoughts out of my mind though!
So far the only such examples I have found have had some type of either splayed or horned pommel hilts, with which the splayed form does not entirely discount the 'fishtail' effect.

All best regards,
Jim