Male and female hilts?

[fbeetge]

I have come across an interesting phenomenon in my collection. I have 3 sets of swords/sabres from different parts of Europe, that seem to have male and female animal decoration on the hilts. I have attached 2 (fuzzy) images. Apart from the hilts, the blades and scabbards are exactly the same.

Was this common practice? Does it signie in rank of the wearer?