Hi Rick,
It would appear that the steel has been prepared to accept further decoration, see photo, I think, although it might just be file marks from shaping. The 'gold colour' seems rather coppery but having said that my grandfathers signet ring is made from 'red' gold which is quite different, colourwise, from yellow gold. I hope the photo may give a further clue as I am into unknown territory here. Can someone give me an idea re the pattern in the steel on the back of the blade. I think someone has had a real go at this sword not only painting the hilt but the blade has been 'sandpapered' in several directions indicating that the blade was mounted when the 'sandpapering' was done leading me to believe that this was not the way the blade was intended to appear by the maker.
Please excuse the earlier short and rather erratic course of my posts with regard to this sword but during this my wee girl has delighted me by announcing that from now on I have to address her with her new title of Doctor as she has successfully passed her final exams from Glasgow University Medical School.
Celebrations are in progress.
My Regards,
A Happy Dad, Norman.