Thank you all for your input
. I feel it is a married piece, but feel that the marriage was for a 'function'. To me, it seems unlikely that this piece was assembled to 'deceive', more 'value' would be gained with the fitment of a 'longer', more asthetic looking blade. The piece in question is abit of an 'oddball' and have not found its equal anywhere.
The use of the small Dhal was very common, and many sword techniques were learnt in conjunction with the Dhal. It is not unlikely that some warriors could have substuted the small shield for a 'short' sword. Two sworded martial arts are not uncommon in Asia, the abillity to use 'attack' as a form of defence and the blades shortness for close quarter combat ...is, I feel...quite possible.
Regards David