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					Originally Posted by Norman McCormick
					
				 Hi Jim,The muck in the hilt looks very much like hardened grease so this could be a possibility. The lenticular blade does not seem altogether unusual for swords of this type.
 My Regards,
 Norman.
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You may be right on the blade, all I can think of is those 'practice' blades, but those of course did not have a block ricasso. 
You bring up great observations Norman...….actually I think YOU are one of the knowledgeable guys here.