Gurkha Kukkri and sheath

[Mossdancer]

Nice old knife. Have reason to think it may be period authentic to WW II or before for the Nepalese Gurkha troops. I have closely compared handle with a known piece of old Ivory. They are remarkably alike. The only marks are the cutout in blade and the Lion on Pommel, also on the sheath is what appears to be a regimental or brigade symbol.
If anyone wants additional photo's send PM with your email and I can provide them. You thoughts on this piece will be appreciated. And no, the small knives are not with it.
moss

[ChrisM]

do you have the two smaller knives that come with a knife like that? There is a lot of "lore" that come with a Gurkha most of which i have forgotten but am sure you could find it out on the net.

[Mossdancer]

I only wish I had the pair. A bit of investigation places the piece to possibly between 1935 and 1945. The Regimental marking on sheath was more than likely the Ninth Rifles, the insignia of the nine has the tail broken off and dressed down. The two small implements are not with it, the slots for them and the tinder slot that was normally filled are present. Closer exam has revealed the Handle to be bone instead of Ivory.
moss

[elbertson]

I believe the notch in the blade is supposed to have some sort of spiritual or religious significance.

[Mossdancer]

I suppose that could have a ring of fact but who knows. I have always been of the opinion that it was to a Kukri as a choil is to more conventional types of knives. Again just my opinion.
moss

[gringo]

http://gurkhakukris.com/Content/Info/index.php?id=43

paragraph 16 line 13.

"Among the more unique features of the Khukuri is the crescent moon-shaped notch at the base of the blade. Some say it is a fertility symbol or a lock for securing the Khukuri in its sheath. Others say it is to interrupt the flow of blood down onto the handle, which would make it wet or slippery during the time of attack. Perhaps the most plausible explanation is that it is a simple defensive feature of the knife, for once the blow of an opponent's weapon is caught on the blade, the sword or dagger slips down into the notch where with one quick twist, the opponent is disarmed. The notch of the Khukuri near the hilt is said the trident of the Hindu god Shiva, the god of war and destroy. It has various other meanings such as a cow tract, the sexual apparatus of Hindu gods and goddesses, the sun and moon, the symbol of Nepal. "

[Mossdancer]

Thank You
moss