Original Item: This kukri was issued in WWI to British Gurkha Regiments. Each blade bears WWI dates and a British war department broad arrow. The legendary Gurkhas are best known for their history of bravery and strength in the British Army's Brigade of Gurkhas and the Indian Army's Gorkha regiments. British officials designated the fierce Gurkhas as a "Martial Race". "Martial Race" was a designation created by officials of British India to describe "races" (peoples) that were thought to be naturally warlike and aggressive in battle, and to possess qualities of courage, loyalty, self sufficiency, physical strength, resilience, orderliness, the ability to work hard for long periods of time, fighting tenacity and military strategy. The British recruited heavily from these Martial Races for service in the colonial army. Each Bhojpure has a large Long Leaf blade made for aggressive war. As spears and the Kora sword were being replaced by firearms, the was the weapon of choice for Gurkha hand to hand combat. In the skilled hands for the Gurkha, it was frightening. These have seen service in the Nepali military and/or the British Army. Traditional Bhojpure Kukri - approx. 17" long, 2 1/2" wide, 3/8" thick. Each kukri is hand made- the steel was smelted, forged, shaped and hammered in Nepal by individual Kamis. Each has seen service with Gurkha regiments. Comes with original scabbard, which will have some damage. Generally they are cracked along the length of the blade but still hold the Kukri in place. Each kukri will be shipped UNCLEANED and each may have small defects in the wood grip and leather scabbard. An unbelievable part of history now available for the GREAT WAR enthusiast! VERY FEW available.