Rand,
This thread is absolutely magnificent!!! An excellent presentation on such an esoteric topic, and represents outstanding application in the systematic study of not only ethnographic material culture, but in our case, weapons as well.
I agree with you on Oakeshott's system of cataloging swords which provided a most definitive benchmark for identification and future study in a systematic reference. While these set the pace for the very early sword hilts, A.V.B. Norman also used artwork to similar advantage in his work on the smallsword and rapier hilts.
Thank you for sharing the work you're doing on this! I very much appreciate getting to learn more on Tibetan material culture, which has had little available information at all until Mr. LaRocca's book came out. I think its great that you're continuing in expanding the base of knowledge, especially with such great detail.
Please keep up the good work, I'm hooked!!!
All the best,
Jim