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Afghan or Khyber knife, c. 1838 (knife, Afghan)
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Afghan or Khyber knife, c. 1838 (knife, Afghan)
5929765 Afghan or Khyber knife, c.1838 (knife, Afghan) by Afghan School, (19th century); National Army Museum, London; (add.info.: Afghan or Khyber knife, 1838 (c).
Known as a A pesh-kabzA, this weapon was used by tribesmen from Afghanistan and the North West Frontier of India. Originally designed to penetrate chain mail and other types of armour, its blade was also used for slicing flesh. Tribesmen would employ snipers to pin down British and Indian troops while their colleagues crept up with these close combat weapons. Many wounded soldiers were killed with A Khyber knivesA as the Afghan and frontier tribes rarely took prisoners.
This knife, obtained by a British cavalry regiment during the 1st Afghan War (1838-1842), was taken from the Ghilzai tribesmen who inhabited the mountains between Kabul and Jalalabad.); eNational Army Museum; Afghan, out of copyright
Media ID 22764900
© National Army Museum / Bridgeman Images
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EDITORS COMMENTS
The captivating print showcases an Afghan or Khyber knife, dating back to 1838. This remarkable weapon was crafted by the skilled hands of the Afghan School in the 19th century and is currently housed at the National Army Museum in London. Known as a pesh-kabz, this blade held immense significance for tribesmen from Afghanistan and the North West Frontier of India. Originally designed to pierce through chain mail and various types of armor, its sharp edge also proved effective for slicing flesh. The tribesmen would strategically deploy snipers to immobilize British and Indian troops while their comrades stealthily approached with these close combat weapons. A chilling aspect of this historical artifact lies in its association with countless lives lost during battle. Wounded soldiers rarely survived encounters with Khyber knives as Afghan and frontier tribes seldom took prisoners. This particular knife was acquired by a British cavalry regiment amidst the chaos of the First Afghan War (1838-1842). It was seized from Ghilzai tribesmen who inhabited the treacherous mountains between Kabul and Jalalabad. This powerful image not only captures a tangible piece of history but also offers insight into a tumultuous era marked by conflict between different cultures and societies. The fine craftsmanship exhibited within this photograph serves as a testament to both artistic skill and human ingenuity in times of war.
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