Pair of Malabar Coast Knives

Runjeet Singh · 22nd October 2013, 01:17 PM

Keith,

I concur, I believe it is from the Malabar coast of India. Here is a similar one (and my description) of one I have previously sold.

Regards,
Runjeet

A finely made small South Indian Sacrificial Chopper, with influences taken from larger choppers from the South West Coast of India (Malabar Coast).

The highly burnished blade is superbly ground on both sides, with a razor sharp edge. A central V shaped brass block, presumably a practical design to allow the blood to drip away from the hand.

A faceted brass bolster and pommel mounted on a highly polished horn haft. A wonderfully made intriguing item, perhaps made for a demanding Englishman in India, who insisted on this high quality of finish. Most likely used for sacrificing small birds.

Overall length: 13in (332mm)
Blade length: 4.5in (115mm)

CharlesS · 22nd October 2013, 03:25 PM

Not only are these gorgeous knives, that is, beautifully mounted and decorated, but the blades recall very very early styles(forward curving) that are rarely seen outside of that region.

Lovely pieces!

KeithJ · 22nd October 2013, 04:45 PM

Thank you all for the feedback and opinions.

RSword, Haha, I thought they were fancy khukri when I acquired them, but was soon corrected by a more knowledgeable friend. I have started researching Coorg weapons on your advice.

Akaalarms, the kards you have on your website are beautiful, I really like the ones with the gold decoration! Beautiful Indian chopper and the brass bolster is similar, and sort of how the blade was crafted too.

Charles, thank you, I admired them from the moment I saw them.

Does my dating of late 19th - early 20th century seem accurate?

Best regards,
KJ

22nd October 2013, 01:17 PM	#1
Runjeet Singh Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Warwickshire, England Posts: 150	Keith, I concur, I believe it is from the Malabar coast of India. Here is a similar one (and my description) of one I have previously sold. Regards, Runjeet A finely made small South Indian Sacrificial Chopper, with influences taken from larger choppers from the South West Coast of India (Malabar Coast). The highly burnished blade is superbly ground on both sides, with a razor sharp edge. A central V shaped brass block, presumably a practical design to allow the blood to drip away from the hand. A faceted brass bolster and pommel mounted on a highly polished horn haft. A wonderfully made intriguing item, perhaps made for a demanding Englishman in India, who insisted on this high quality of finish. Most likely used for sacrificing small birds. Overall length: 13in (332mm) Blade length: 4.5in (115mm) Attached Images

22nd October 2013, 03:25 PM	#2
CharlesS Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Greenville, NC Posts: 1,854	Not only are these gorgeous knives, that is, beautifully mounted and decorated, but the blades recall very very early styles(forward curving) that are rarely seen outside of that region. Lovely pieces!

22nd October 2013, 04:45 PM	#3
KeithJ Member Join Date: Oct 2013 Posts: 5	Thank you all for the feedback and opinions. RSword, Haha, I thought they were fancy khukri when I acquired them, but was soon corrected by a more knowledgeable friend. I have started researching Coorg weapons on your advice. Akaalarms, the kards you have on your website are beautiful, I really like the ones with the gold decoration! Beautiful Indian chopper and the brass bolster is similar, and sort of how the blade was crafted too. Charles, thank you, I admired them from the moment I saw them. Does my dating of late 19th - early 20th century seem accurate? Best regards, KJ