The weapon of the Gurkha. The name "Gurkha" comes from the hill town of Gorkha from which the Nepalese kingdom had expanded. "Better to die than be a coward" is the motto of the world-famous Nepalese Gurkha soldiers who are an integral part of the British Army. They still carry into battle their traditional weapon, with its unique curved blade, known as the kukri. In times past, it was said that once a kukri was drawn in battle, it had to "taste blood" - if not, its owner had to cut himself before returning it to its sheath. The potential of these warriors was first realized by the British at the height of their empire-building in the last century. The Victorians identified them as a "martial race", perceiving in them particularly masculine qualities of toughness. Since then, the Gurkhas have loyally fought for the British all over the world, receiving 13 Victoria Crosses between them. More than 200,000 fought in the two world wars, and in the past 50 years they have served in Hong Kong, Malaysia, Borneo, Cyprus, the Falklands, Kosovo and now in Iraq and Afghanistan. They serve in a variety of roles, mainly in the infantry but with significant numbers of engineers, logisticians and signals specialists.

Offered here is a wonderful World War II produced piece. This example is an "issue" MARK II. The MK.2 was in production by 1915 and was to stay in manufacture for the British army until at least 1944.  All the pattern issue pieces have steel bolster & Butt cap. The MK.2 design was unusual for the era in being a riveted hilt design on to a full width & length tang, with a butt cap, both presumably to hopefully protect the wooden hilt from coming loose or being chipped & broken in use. The issue MK. II kukri has been produced by many manufacturers & armories over the years.

The condition is excellent and this one shows evidence of field issue.  Its total length is the traditional 18 inches. The highly burnished curved blade is 14 inches long. It is stamped "QEYOOM BROS." over "1944". The firm Qeyoom Brothers was in Pakistan.  The excellent scabbard is wood covered in leather with a tinge of red color and has a brass tip. It is stamped, " "CO1944" over "CA (a British issue/ownership Broad Arrow) 63". There is some Nepalese writing painted on it, yet to be translated. The suspension hangers, which are readily removable, have been removed. The riveted wooden grips show use but are excellent and what is very cool is that the iron pommel cap has been "field painted" khaki. A great World War II example in fine condition.   [pe][ph:L]

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