Ghurka/Naga Hybrid?

Ian · 15th October 2020, 04:57 AM

I agree DhaDha. This is a presentation-grade Indian machete made for an Assam regiment. The scabbard appears to be a custom made piece. There is a very similar example in *Flooks' book, Plate 482--see here.

Quote:

Originally Posted by DhaDha

Love the pattern. I've seen one very similar attributed to the British Assam Regiment in WW2 or just after.

* Ron Flook, "British and Commonwealth Military Knives," (1999)

Jerseyman · 15th October 2020, 12:46 PM

Thank you gents for the responses - much appreciated. It's always satisfying to be able to clearly attribute a blade and learn something of its history.

The badge appears to be for the 5th Ghurka Rifles - seems to be very rough cast so it wouldn't be a surprise to find out it was for the tourist trade.

However, I see from a little research that the Assam Regiment comprises members of many cultural groups, including Ghurkas/Ghorkas. I wonder if there was any personnel crossover between the British Ghurka regiments and the Indian army? Just a supposition that a soldier may have kept a favoured weapon and had it re-sheathed to visually fit in. Or maybe it was just taken home after their service in the Assam regiment was completed and re-sheathed to personal taste.

Thanks again!

15th October 2020, 12:46 PM	#2
Jerseyman Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 97	Thank you gents for the responses - much appreciated. It's always satisfying to be able to clearly attribute a blade and learn something of its history. The badge appears to be for the 5th Ghurka Rifles - seems to be very rough cast so it wouldn't be a surprise to find out it was for the tourist trade. However, I see from a little research that the Assam Regiment comprises members of many cultural groups, including Ghurkas/Ghorkas. I wonder if there was any personnel crossover between the British Ghurka regiments and the Indian army? Just a supposition that a soldier may have kept a favoured weapon and had it re-sheathed to visually fit in. Or maybe it was just taken home after their service in the Assam regiment was completed and re-sheathed to personal taste. Thanks again!