Hello Mel,
Quote:
|
Is it possible that the style of the carving on the scabbard is influenced by the swirling decoration on the pommel? There does seem to be some resemblance.
|
This kind of carving of a protrusion at the scabbard mouth is traditional and fairly widespread in the greater Straits region - with more or less local differences in the details.
I'd posit that it rather was the other way round: The hilt got selected because it was thought to be a nice (and possibly exotic) match with the local style/taste. Kinda ironic that it found its way back to GB.
Of course, the possibility can't be excluded that a broken/missing hilt got replaced by a creative Englishman with access to local spare parts. The hilt does look very well worn though.
Regards,
Kai