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Originally Posted by Lee
I have noticed these holes in a number of Indian blades, usually broad straight blades in Hindu-style basket hilts (which have no tang, being secured by plates over the forte of the blade). The holes are often filled with inconspicuous iron and I have found that they are often in a position suggesting that the blade has been remounted and that these are a residual artifact of the rivet which had secured the replaced mount. Sometimes there are two or more such defects and they are often close and or irregularly spaced. Some of these blades have appeared to be of an age that likely would have known multiple sets of mounts, while in others I have had the suspicion the filled hole came with a new sword in imitation of older blades or to suggest it was an heirloom.
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Very well made point Lee! The heirloom idea seems quite plausible, and I have often wondered how many vestigial, apparantly non purpose features have been deliberately placed on blades to suggest vintage.
You know me, I always go for the esoteric!
All the best,
Jim