The “ regulation Khyber Knife” in the Afghani Army at end of the 19th – beginning of

[Gavin Nugent]

The sabre Ariel has pictured is of a type, now the 4th such type I have seen so I suspect it is a weapon of rank with liberal use of a blade preferred by the owner. All hilts were of the same form which appears to be a regulation type hilt.

Interesting is the Enfield made sword Ariel presents.
The Enfield history is long in India and surrounds and I suspect many enfield locks made it in to Afghani rifles too....I wonder if there are records of manufacture and contracts available??

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pattern_1853_Enfield

A subject worthy of further research.

Gavin