Michael , could I ask you for a close up shot of the area where the patterning ends near the point ?
Also has anyone else noticed the pronounced taper of the blade , or is that just a trick of the camera ?
I have a Budiak with a topographic center panel but we have all seen that a zillion times already so I won't waste server space by posting it again .
You posted the scabbard and hilt pics while I was writing and I must say that looks like genuine old patina .