An Interesting Chopper....But From Where??

[CharlesS]

I just picked up this curious chopper. It's very heavy, sits in a stand-up scabbard, mostly exposed, and has a beautifully carved wooden hilt with a heavy brass ferrule.. It is 23in. overall, with an 18in. blade that is rather crudely forged and 3in. wide at its widest point.

When I first saw this one in pics, I thought it might be Indonesian. But having now seen and handled it, with particular reference to the hilt that shares some features that seem similar to some kukri hilts, I am more inclined to think it is a sacrificial chopper from NE India or Nepal.

I am certainly still open to any ideas, and look forward to any insights and feedback.

Please have a look and let me know what you think.

[Sajen]

Hi Charles,

don't know from where it is, but it is beautiful! Malaysia?

Regards,

Detlef

[kahnjar1]

Not exactly my field BUT..............the pommel looks like a Lotus so could be either SE Asian OR India/Nepal/Tibet. I would think most likely from a Buddhist country. A most unusual and lovely piece. Well done!
Stu

[laEspadaAncha]

Something about that scabbard recalls to my eye some of the more stylized lantaka stands. That, combined with the pommel (again to my untrained eye) appear to be Indonesian.

ETA: I really like the profile of that blade... very appealing to the eye.

[Rick]

I lean more toward Southeast Asian/Malay than India .
The sprouting hilt motif is quite Indonesian, IMO .





I could even be talked into suggesting Sumatra .

[Nathaniel]

Wow, love it when something turns up most haven't seen! Beautiful piece! Thanks for sharing Charles!

[CharlesS]

Michael,

I think this is some sort of tool chopper(perhaps sacrificial). It seems rather awkward as a weapon, especially the weight by Indonesian standards. The lack of quality of the blade, other than thickness, seems to add confirmation to that, and I can't imagine that it is more then 70 or so years old, but clearly has seen heavy use.

Can you post something from your collection with a similar style hilt for reference? Thanks in advance.

[Rick]

Sumatran

[VVV]

Hi Charles,

I don't have anything exactly resembling but besides the hilt the open and curved scabbard is a tell for Sumatra too.

Michael

PS Here is the closest I could find but I have seen more resembling scabbards to yours at for instance a well-known SE Asian dealer's web site.

[CharlesS]

I am very familiar with the Sumatran hilts that Rick has posted(and thanks!),
but structurally, doesn't this kukri hilt have as much or more in common with the chopper hilt???

I do see alot more similarities with VVV's examples.

[Henk]

It is Sumatran as already said. This style of hilt is found on keris panjang.
Take a look at this thread. http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...xecution+keris

[Rick]

Originally Posted by CharlesS

I am very familiar with the Sumatran hilts that Rick has posted(and thanks!),
but structurally, doesn't this kukri hilt have as much or more in common with the chopper hilt???

I do see alot more similarities with VVV's examples.

I think it comes down to the bifurcated appearance of the Sumatran examples that have been shown .
when I look at the handle of your chopper I see a sprouting foliage/vegetable motif .
When I look at the kukri hilt you show, I do not see that resemblance; I see rings concavely tapered into each other .

Then there is the hilt material itself; Sandalwood ?
Very light colored for Kukri Country .