Fine WW1 Period MK1 Kukri with Blade Engraved “JARBS”

Here on offer is what I believe to be a WW1 period MK1 Kukri with a solid walnut grip.

After the outbreak of WW1 in August of 1914, the kingdom of Nepal offered to provide troops to supplement the ranks of the British Indian Army for the first time.

Eventually 120,000 Gurkhas served in the war and many were sent over the kala pani or dark waters to serve in France, Flanders, Egypt, Palestine, Mesopotamia, or Turkey. Some served in India. Gurkhas won the first two Victoria Crosses awarded to ethnic Nepalese and while there were many individual battle honours it seems all fought with distinction.

While a recruit might have brought his own kukri, the British War Department designed standard kukri models that were issued to Gurkha and Indian troops.

Most of these knives were made in India and contracted out too many different facilities in Gorkhapore, Ghum, Dehra Dun, Rawalpindi, Cawnpore and Hassan Abdel. The marks from all suppliers vary greatly, if found at all.

The fine steel blade is 13” (33cm) long, 0.3” (0.7cm) thick and has a ridged spine narrowing gradually to the point. It is 1.8” (4.7cm) wide at the belly, with a short double fuller running below the top spine.

It still retains a sharp cutting edge and has some light pitting marks to its finish, some of which would probably polish out, if required.

On one side just above the notch, it has been engraved with the letters:

JARBS

This is possibly the name of the original owner or it relates in some way to one of the Nepalese or Indian units that fought during WW1?

There are no other markings on the blade or other fittings, which is not uncommon on these early WW1 period pieces.

It has the early type of solid dark walnut grip with a raised central ridge.

The bolster and pommel cap are made from steel The oval pommel is fixed securely to the tang holding the grip firmly. The tang tip has been hammered over against a raised steel diamond plate in the centre of the pommel and has a smooth finish. One of the tips of the oval pommel has been bent over and has caused a small chip to the grip.

There is no scabbard with this kukri.

This Kukri has seen service and is a fine example of genuine used early WW1 Kukri, not a tourist piece!

The blade measures approximately 13” (33cm) long and the knife is 17” (44.2cm) in total length.

It weighs 430g.

Please see my pictures for the details of the condition, which complement this description.

Please see my TERMS OF BUSINESS regarding Deliver Charges and Insurance regarding additional insurance cover, should you require it, BEFORE the item is dispatched.

The responsibility lies with the customer to check with your Customs restrictions that this item can be imported into your country.

Code: 52208