Cthulhu's observation is a good one. By the latter Qajar Dynasty, more complex construction, and by extension, imagery, usually preceded simpler work. This was driven largely by expense: if a dragon's head which was cut out of sheet looked indistinguishable from one more carefully wrought when viewed in profile, a shift in production could take place quickly. Kubur's question as to the construction of the head and the appearance of the blocks indicate workmanship of a higher grade; this is supported by the complex construction of the pean as well.
Nasr alDin Shah Qajar singlehandedly revived the arms-making industry in Iran during the second half of the 19th century. The products wrought by smiths in this period are often of excellent quality. They represented a brilliant if brief rebirth of the armorer's craft before its ultimate demise.
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