A Second World War Gurkha kukri knife, with horn grip scales riveted through the tang, thick ridged spine of the blade narrowing gradually to the point, with short narrow fuller below the spine, unmarked blade 34cm long, housed in a leather-covered wooden scabbard with karda and chakmak, overall length 44.5cm; sold together with an Indo-Persian Pesh-Kabz. (2) Provenance: The Kukri was presented to RSM Terence Ray Copestake.

Provenance: Regimental Sergeant Major Terence Ray Copestake (1916 - 1977)

RSM Copestake started his army career with the servicing of searchlights and trucks in 1939 and transferred to REME on its formation. He progressed through the ranks until being posted to Burma in 1942 with a battalion of the Scottish Fusiliers. He spent some time in India and fought against the Japanese in Burma, being heavily involved in the decisive battle of Imphal, which caused the Japanese to retreat. During this time, he commanded a brigade of Gurkhas who presented him with this knife and made him an honorary member and Gurkha.