David you are too kind.
It certainly appears to be a sword blade that one would think was very old. Benin/Yoruba staff and sceptre do have cast figure handles. This perhaps may have been use for parade? I am not an expert but do have doubts about the age of the handle. It looks as though it has been underground and made to look old with chemical treatment also corroding the blade. I do not think the modelling of the figure is good enough for a high status or court object of the 19th century. Looking through the grime it is remarkably fresh. I have this early? 20th century Nigerian piece.
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