Minasbad, Tenegre?

[kai]

I assume the larger hole in your hilt goes through completely? Then there seems to be a high probability that a retention strap (or a cord holding such a piece of cloth) ran through it. I doubt it has seen a lot of service though.

The example shown in post #8 also seems to have a similar hole; I can't remember any with typical minasbad though.

Based on the quite rare occurrence and apparent differences in age, I'd be inclined to vote for personal preference rather than indictors for age/origin.

BTW, the smaller holes indicate losses of decor.

Regards,
Kai

[kai]

Detlef typed faster again...

[MacCathain]

Originally Posted by kai

I assume the larger hole in your hilt goes through completely?

The holes don't go all the way through . . . both are about 7 mm deep. There's no evidence of wear on the inside of either one.

[Sajen]

Originally Posted by MacCathain

The holes don't go all the way through . . . both are about 7 mm deep. There's no evidence of wear on the inside of either one.

Like said, I think that this holes are pure decorative, I've seen them mainly by examples from WWII or later.

Regards,
Detlef