Pesh-Kabz Choora / Khyber Afghan Knife With Ivorine Sectioned Grips & Scabbard. Other Blades

Early 20th Century Pesh-Kabz Choora / Khyber Afghan Knife With Ivorine Sectioned Grips & Scabbard. Sn 12500:3 - 12500:3

The Pesh-Kabz or Choora is a type of Perso-Afghan knife (see page 494 of Stone's book 'A Glossary Of Arms & Armour'). The knives were typically used a a thrusting weapon, however their heavy blades also possessed considerable slicing performance, and as such may also be used effectively with slashing or cutting strokes. During the British Colonial rule in India, the British frequently referred to all Afghan blades of this pattern collectively as "Afghan knives" or "Khyber knives", after the Khyber Pass that marked the transition from British India to the nation of Afghanistan. In India, manufacture of the pesh-kabz was centred in the northern city of Bhera, now part of Pakistan. During the First and Second Anglo-Afghan wars, the pesh-kabz was frequently the weapon of choice for finishing off wounded British and colonial troops, as the Afghan tribesmen did not take prisoners except for use as hostages. This is a very good example of the pesh-kabz / choora form knife most likely made some time in the early 20th Century. It has a heavy 7 ½” single edged blade (12 ¾” overall). The blade has fullers and is 1 ½” wide at its broadest. The blade has staining and wear consistent with age but no rust. It has the correct curved pronged pommel and finger guard. The pommel has a small fixed lanyard ring. The brass grip frame is decorated with crude hand tooled geometric and foliate designs. The scales are formed from sections of ivorine. The knife is complete with its original wood lined, brass covered scabbard. The scabbard has hand tooled geometric decoration and a fixed belt bar holed for cord. The scabbard has some areas of surface wear consistent with age. Price includes UK delivery. Sn 12500:3
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