I have to say i would keep the original hilt.
This is a fine 'fighting' sword.
Plenty of Tulwars were made primarily for 'form' rather than 'function' but this one was made to fight. The hilt is a type that you do see quite regularly, I'm sure one of the experts on Tulwar hilt styles can tell us if there is any specific area or period for these, but they are beautiful in their simplicity. In fact it was one fo the things that attracted me to my pair. they have a solid feel to the hilt, but with some elegance, and they polish up beautifully.
IMHO, the hilt is original, it deserves to stay.
|