Described as a Khanda ? with ball bearings set in the blade.

[katana]

Thank you for all your replies ....many 'echoing' my doubts about this sword.

My concerns were....

The blade 'patterning' appears raised ...similar to a number of 'modern' Indian knives .... pattern welded ? .. although this looks to be 'acid etched'.

I didn't realise that the koftgari was recent and not the 'old type' ....please, how do you know the difference ? However, there was no wear / rubbing of the koftgari either.

The two 'slots' nearest the hilt ...disappear 'into it' ...suggesting to me that hilt and blade were not meant to 'be together'.

You have to feel sorry for the 'winner'....a very expensive mistake.

Atlantia, the seller also seems to have had an inexhaustable supply of late 19th Century Zulu spears ...how?...your guess is as good as mine

Kind Regards David