Alex,
Thank you for starting this interesting subject:-)
Unfortunately I cant show you any daggers with a stell hilt and a lions head, as I only have one with a jade hilt and a lions head, but I do have a sword with a lions head, possible Mysore 18th century.
Now to your question about the chape. One of the three things could be the 'flaming pearls'. I have them on a katar from Deccan Sultanate 17th century, but they are rarely seen on Indian weapons, and not later than the 17th century - as far as I know, and when they are inlaid and not koftgari.One of the other questions could be that the flowers on the hilt and the chape are quite different.
I will look forward to if anyone can guess your other two questions - if I did guess correctly that is.
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