Writing on tulwar blade.

[Dmitry]

Acquired this no-nonsense fighting tulwar some time ago, and would appreciate your expert help on the symbols engraved on the back of the blade and the mark at the ricasso.
The hilt is still wrapped in the original oiled cloth. It must have belonged to a larger individual, since the pommel disk was never fitted, or was period-removed.
Indian Rebellion of 1857 sword?
Thanks!

[archer]

Hi Dmitry, They look a lot like Hindi Numbers. Steve

[Dmitry]

Thanks, Steve. I think you got it. I should really turn the picture over.
Looks like 37/44, or something to that effect. Arsenal inventory numbers?...

[Runjeet Singh]

Dmitri,

Quite unusual to find the hilt wrapped like that - and the blade looks like a good fighting blade. Nice find, well done.

Yes the characters on the spine are *44. I cannot make out the first character.

Regards,
Runjeet

[Dmitry]

Thanks, Runjeet. Why do you think the hilt was wrapped like that? For storage?
Is my tentative dating it to the mid-1800s correct?