Posted 7 years ago
MarianneI
(1 item)
I don't know much about this knife. Fact is, the only thing I do know about it is that it was a gift to a Dr. H.G. Kribs on December 25, 1928. It was given to the doctor by Kr. S.B. Pal. (This is the inscription on the brass end of the knife's handle.)
Overall dimensions in sheath, which I believe is a reptile skin is 18" x 3" at widest point. No markings on blade to identify, though there is a design. Handle could possibly be a bone material.
If you know anything about this knife, please let me know!
Dr. H.G. Kribs worked for the Department of Zoology at University of Pennsylvania. I don't know much more about him, though I did find his scrapbook for sale on a rare books and manuscripts website: http://www.mbenjaminkatzfinebooksraremanuscripts.com/ap_dr_g_h_kribs_mrs.html
And I have also found some references to the doctor in some old books:
https://books.google.com/books?id=1ovNAAAAMAAJ&pg=PA295&lpg=PA295&dq=dr.+h.g.+kribs&source=bl&ots=HhbHo3Qd7_&sig=3HX2rpXYkUZPPPO0GNabSrf7KcU&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwil_fr2zdvSAhWFOCYKHZZKCJ4Q6AEIQDAJ#v=onepage&q=dr.%20h.g.%20kribs&f=false
https://books.google.com/books?id=nv9FAQAAMAAJ&pg=PA38&lpg=PA38&dq=dr.+h.g.+kribs&source=bl&ots=KGjWSzQWpt&sig=bJpbscEgPLbbhGgcrd1m-ttamJc&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwil_fr2zdvSAhWFOCYKHZZKCJ4Q6AEIPjAI#v=onepage&q=dr.%20h.g.%20kribs&f=false
That is a Kukri from Nepal. It is the fighting knife of the famous Gurkha soldiers who fought for the British. That is a "real" example, as opposed to a tourist version. The sheath is exceptional; usually they are plain leather with two small knives inserted behind the large blade. It's a beautiful example.
Nepal. Gurkha military knife
Thank you so much for the information! Does this item have any value?