Paul,
Thank you very much, your explanation makes a ton of sense. The attached picture of the shell guard is the only one I have right now, and I can try to take a better one when I back home later today.
As you can see, it lacks any detail, just like the knuckle bow.
I also agree with you about the missing wire. Would you say that the patterns one sees on the grip are traces of the wire binding?
The pommel is a different color than the rest of the hilt as well, with more reddish hues, perhaps due to more copper in the alloy.
Best regards,
Teodor
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