A genuine c.1820 kukri bayonet, translations welcome!

spiral · 20th October 2007, 11:04 PM

Just picked up one of the super rare original Brown Bess kukri Bayonets, the 9 or 10 that came in 1975 from Nepal had just 2 varients of inscription or were uninscribed.

This is a third type of inscription.... Apparently something "new" in both the bayonet & kukri world.

It also has what appears to be an EIC type lion & flag as seen on some sword type early Nepali made bayonets & rifles, but with a further inscription underneath.

Its in amazing condition, lots of dark spots but virtualy no pitting, other than a very finely "pepery" muzzle catch spring.

Its a wide angh khola fuller to which is an rathey unusual feature as well. The hole thing is socket,elbow & blade is drawn & forged from one piece of metal, Amazing metalworkingby the old kami.

So rare I never thought Id get one!

Its also cleary done a lot more than parade work...

Translation of inscriptions defintaly welcome!

Spiral

olikara · 21st October 2007, 06:17 AM

Spiral,

I see 2 distinct inscriptions here. One mentions a year and the other an invocation.

The 1st inscription(in a rectangular cartouche) reads - 'Saal 83'

Saal- Year (Vikram Samvat Calendar)
83 - 1883 V.S.

Now 1883 Vikram Samvat corresponds to 1883-57 = 1826 A.D.
However it could also be 1827 A.D. as the V.S. calendar starts from April.

The second inscription reads - 'Shri Gorakhnath Sahay' which is in Sanskrit (The religious language of the Hindus)

Shri - Lord
Gorakhnath - An avatar or representation of the Hindu God Shiva
Sahay - Help

So it should read - "With the help of Lord Gorakhnath"

Hope this helps.

spiral · 22nd October 2007, 10:03 AM

Thankyou Olikara! thats excelent!

Inscribed in 1826 or early 27 Then! Interesting re. Gorakhnath inscription as well. "Help of Gorkhanath" I understand some of those found in 1975 with a slightly different inscription were inscribed "Helper of Lord Gorakhanath" Soits interesting to try to see the context. Fantastic!

Many thanks!

Spiral

Rick · 22nd October 2007, 04:50 PM

Thanks for posting this Spiral; it's quite different from the ersatz piece we saw and discussed earlier .

This one looks quite functional .

Rick

spiral · 22nd October 2007, 10:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rick

This one looks quite functional .
Rick

Cheers Rick! & Yes well I certanly wouldnt want to be stuck with it!

Blades about 16 inches long! But light as well.

Spiral

20th October 2007, 11:04 PM	#1
spiral Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 1,712	A genuine c.1820 kukri bayonet, translations welcome! Just picked up one of the super rare original Brown Bess kukri Bayonets, the 9 or 10 that came in 1975 from Nepal had just 2 varients of inscription or were uninscribed. This is a third type of inscription.... Apparently something "new" in both the bayonet & kukri world. It also has what appears to be an EIC type lion & flag as seen on some sword type early Nepali made bayonets & rifles, but with a further inscription underneath. Its in amazing condition, lots of dark spots but virtualy no pitting, other than a very finely "pepery" muzzle catch spring. Its a wide angh khola fuller to which is an rathey unusual feature as well. The hole thing is socket,elbow & blade is drawn & forged from one piece of metal, Amazing metalworkingby the old kami. So rare I never thought Id get one! Its also cleary done a lot more than parade work... Translation of inscriptions defintaly welcome! Spiral

21st October 2007, 06:17 AM	#2
olikara Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: India Posts: 100	1883 Vikram Samvat Spiral, I see 2 distinct inscriptions here. One mentions a year and the other an invocation. The 1st inscription(in a rectangular cartouche) reads - 'Saal 83' Saal- Year (Vikram Samvat Calendar) 83 - 1883 V.S. Now 1883 Vikram Samvat corresponds to 1883-57 = 1826 A.D. However it could also be 1827 A.D. as the V.S. calendar starts from April. The second inscription reads - 'Shri Gorakhnath Sahay' which is in Sanskrit (The religious language of the Hindus) Shri - Lord Gorakhnath - An avatar or representation of the Hindu God Shiva Sahay - Help So it should read - "With the help of Lord Gorakhnath" Hope this helps.

22nd October 2007, 04:50 PM	#4
Rick Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 6,293	A Beauty Thanks for posting this Spiral; it's quite different from the ersatz piece we saw and discussed earlier . This one looks quite functional . Rick

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22nd October 2007, 10:03 AM	#3
spiral Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 1,712	Thankyou Olikara! thats excelent! Inscribed in 1826 or early 27 Then! Interesting re. Gorakhnath inscription as well. "Help of Gorkhanath" I understand some of those found in 1975 with a slightly different inscription were inscribed "Helper of Lord Gorakhanath" Soits interesting to try to see the context. Fantastic! Many thanks! Spiral