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					Originally Posted by DaveS
					
				 Thanks guys for all your input.  I have to admit i'm seriously thinking of removing that black tape, getting rid of the crossguard an rewrapping  with twisted silver wire.................Dave. | 
	
 
Salaams DaveS ..There are plenty of examples of wire decoration on this type of sword and you may also consider a silver cuff which is also missing but which can be seen on Library also... The Omani name for this sword is Sayf or Saif....(whereas the curved type is called a Kattara)...In each case the hilts are virtually identical and in the long Omani hilt style. You may discover either leather under the masking tape or a wooden arrangement...and you can either use silver wire or leather to recover the wood...and consider the silver cuff. 
Please see  
The Omani Sayf. http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...t=Omani+swords 
Regards,
Ibrahiim al Balooshi.