Hi Valjhan,
could be a composite, but I'm not so sure. If it is, I believe that it was 'compiled' for a purpose.
Hi Jim
,
nice to hear from you. The hilt on this 'dagger' is very interesting notice the crossguard with the large finials mounted on the 'shell' guard'....double re-inforcement....that would not be necessary on a dagger. The blade is heavily tapered to the hilt....these two factors strongly suggest that this is some sort of 'parrying weapon'.
The blade would deflect (guide) an opponents blade towards the guard(s) the large finials preventing the blade 'sliding' off and around the 'shell' guard. The strength of the 'doubled up' guard would only make sense if it was known that this area would receive 'alot of attention'.
I have never seen a hilt like it before
Kind Regards David