Hello CharlesS and thank you for your comments and opinion on this piece. I have been in correspondence with Charles "the seller of this item" and he states that he believes that it is all original, he will only say that it is "vintage or earlier" as far as age is concerned but bases this on the fact that the blade is of folded steel construction while in his words the "newer ones are made from melted coil springs while most are made from flimsy metals made for tourist." He also states that the hilt is hand made and not lathe turned and that the "grains of the handle is fine due to continued use." As you say, the hilt quite possibly could be a newer restoration but from what time frame and what would be your opinion on the age of the blade itself? Regardless of the outcome I believe that for what was paid it is still quite an interesting piece.
Regards,
Robert
|