Norman, that is an absolute classic!!! Eye Khandi!!!! brilliant
Lew, this is a stunning example, and I would go with the 18th century attribution in the classical blade form, and wootz above all!!
The spatulate blade is an especially nice feature as well, but then there are so many here. One of the nicest of this period Ive seen for a while. The sharp edge on this type point is because the Mahratta greatly favored wide shashing cuts in thier sword technique.
I very much agree with Jens (of course!) on the Deccan attribution.
All best regards,
Jim