Kothimora Kukri

[Tea]

Hi I just encountered a very similar kukri on a vendor's website: the kukri is almost identical:engravings, eyelash sun and moon symbol even the karda is similar,
the scabbard has the same red velvet but is in much better state and still has 3 tools: the usual plus a small toothpick, the scabbard is similarly oversized. but has a different decoration in bazaar style.

So I suppose they might be a match after all...

I would like to know if and how I may refer to the pictures? Like the saying goes "a picture is worth a ...

[Ian]

Hi Tea,

Unfortunately, we do not permit linking to, discussing, or posting pictures of items that are currently for sale. I would suggest you download any pictures now as these can disappear quickly after a sale is completed. I understand that you would like to discuss this item now, but please wait until it is no longer for sale.

Ian.

[Tea]

Hi Ian thank you for the reply I'll make sure to do that once the sale is completed.

In the meantime I found 2 sold Kukri's which also look similar.
(less so than the one I had in mind but clearly the point is the same:

Here is an analysis of the first one:
- the eyelash is identical
- the serated part of the bolster is also present
- the upper part of the decoration pattern is identical
- the same red velvet is used on the scabbard

(far to many similiratities in my opinion to be a coincidence)

here is the link to the website: https://www.rubylane.com/item/146467...w-234856211751

And attached you'll find the pictures which give the best representation of the similarities with my kukri:

[Tea]

So now for the second similar kukri I found which is also sold

- the overall shape seems similar
- clearly in this example the bolster, cho, engravings, serated bolster are either different or absent in comparison to the kukri I posted
- The scabbard seems oversized
- the scabbard is almost identical to the previous one I posted

link: https://www.worthpoint.com/worthoped...kha-1838564254

And the pictures:

[Tea]

I don't know what we can learn based on the 2 new kukri I posted in my last messages.

I suppose we can determine it probably is not a mismatch after all.
It is however very strange that the scabbard is so much oversized: It's complicated to understand why they put so much effort into making a nice scabbard and so little effort into sizing the scabbard correctly.

Based on the new evidence are all the kukri I posted of the same period? Is the estimated period still second quarter of the 20th century?

Are the kukri genuine/ antique/ usable kukri's or does the fact that I found 4 similar examples mean they should be regarded as tourist kukri's?

[kronckew]

The last two look like they are a decent fit, unlike the first post's.

Generic simplified comments for those who do not have or use the khukuri:

In the past, and even now, to a lesser extent, India had a rigid caste system, kind of a Union gone to extremes. Discrimination by caste is now illegal, but India, especially in rural areas, changes slowly.

The Lowest caste, the untouchables, included the Kamis (blacksmiths) and Sarkis (scabbard makers). The Kamis did not make the scabbards, and the sarkis did not make khukuri.

The kamis did work to patterns, but there was leeway, and no two hand-forged khukri were exactly the same, within limits. The sarki picks a wooden core of approx. the right length, width, and curvature to allow the insertion and removal of the khukuri without excessive effort.

The non-circular curve design of the khukri means you have a wider than usual throat area to accomodate the widest part of the blade as it turns as you remove it - remembering to NOT have any fingers along the blade edge side of the scabbard. They do occasionally cut thru the unglued seam between the scabbard core halves if the blade is not inserted/removed with the required motions. (the more 'circular' curved hanshee or salyani khuks have less trouble with is than the more 'modern (?) broken back ones.

There are 'quick draw versions of the scabbard where the top seam is open most of the way and the blade inserts into that side without the curving motion. These of course are not 'traditional, but 'custom' made for those who are not local.

see:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cWrb8w7E7iE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Uo_bsCmk5c&t=52s


Another, just for its coolness: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WFArXZSKF_8



Top opening 'quick draw scabbard

[Tea]

So I found a few other similar Kukri's.
Is your opinion still that these are antiques?
What can be said about the leather scabbard with medallions?
I always thought these were a tourist thing (with usually one of the medallions representing the flag of Nepal.)

As for the fit in both cases the scabbard seems quite tall to me.

[kronckew]

The khukuri look antique, nice ones. Bone grips can be fragile, tho they look cool. The horn gripped one withr the REALLY ornate scabbard is a nice fighting weapon. The Bone handled one's decorations are a bit more mundane. They both likely started out with a plainer scabbard for actual use, scabbards were not for the life of the khukuri, and were easily replaced when damaged or worn out. or if you wanted more bling. The khukri blade maay have many hand grips and many scabbards over its life.

The scabbards are Kothimora display scabbards found on presentation weapons. The brass emblems on the plainer scabbard can be regimental badges and the really posh ones with gemstones and filagree metal are bling added by the presenter, with the chains used to display it proudly on a wall hook. They are NOT tourist junk.


You can buy cheap replicas in the tourist shops, caveat emptor. Be especially careful not to buy any with a lions head pommel.
These are in a tourist trap in nepal, gone a bit overboard on the brass. Coins, and nepal flags with the country name in english under them are a bad sign.