Questions regarding this origin of this grip construction on Afghan swords

[Sakalord364]

Is this type of grip construction (small panel of wood or bone surrounded by the metal grip) a European type of construction, or is it Caucasian in origin? The only other place I’ve seen it is on this imperial Russian shashka

[Sajen]

So far I know typical Afghan!

see here: http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=27983&highlight=afghan+military
http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=25886&highlight=afghan+military
http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=17522&highlight=afghan+military