Dagger Folk Art - India - 1950-1960

Traditional Gurkha Khukuri / Kukri knife with a lion-head pommel and matching accessories – India/Nepal, circa mid-20th century

Description:
For sale is an authentic, classic Kukri (Khukuri), the traditional and world-renowned knife of the Nepalese Gurkhas. This specimen captivates with decorative blade embellishments and an exceptional handle termination. The blade bears the era-typical, dotted origin mark “INDIA.”

Features & Accessories:

Main blade: Heavy, single-edged blade with the traditional “Kaudi” notch at the base and fine dot engravings on the blade.

Handle: Ergonomically shaped grip (dark hardwood) with metallic inlays. The upper end is crowned by a magnificent, sculpted end cap in the form of a lion head.

Beimesser (complete!): At the rear part of the scabbard lie the two original, small additional tools: the sharp all-purpose knife (Karda) and the blunt sharpening rod (Chakmak). Both blades have handles in the same style as the main knife.

Scabbard: Traditional wooden scabbard with black leather cover and a metal tip at the top.

Condition:
The dagger and the two small knives are in a good, age-appropriate condition with a pleasing patina. The blade is clean. The original leather scabbard is historically aged and shows clear signs of aging in the upper area (the leather is brittle, dry and partly split at the seams – see close-up photos). An absolutely honest collectible in untouched original condition.

Technical data:

Total length in scabbard: 35.0 cm
Blade length (measured straight): 23.0 cm
Handle length (max): 10.5 cm
Length of the Beimesser: 7.0 cm and 7.5 cm
Total weight: 373 g

Category tips for the Catawiki form:

Object: Kukri knife / Khukuri / dagger
Region/Country of origin: India / Nepal
Time period: Mid-20th century (approx. 1950)
Style: Ethnographic / Asian bladed weapons