Do not remove anything, just look at the wooden inserts at the opening of the scabbard. The original ones will be paper thin and darkened. Thick, solid and white would indicate contemporary replacement. The same with the velvet covering: if there is an opening, gently peek in. If not, leave it alone: coverings were replaced repeatedly during the working life .
David is 100% correct: the cheeks might be of horn, but you will see it right away.
I hate polishing and removing patina from the blade, after all, the baby earned it. My only exceptions would be suspicion of the “ turkish ribbon” ( rare) or wootz( even more so).
Very nice one!
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