Confirm a talwar
 

This is a recent acquisition from an antique dealer going out of business. I have identified it as an Indian talwar, although I am aware that this design has sometimes found its way to some other Asian countries. Does anyone see anything here which would suggest anything other than a talwar from India, late 1800's to early 1900's?
The sword is approximately 33" long with a slight widening at the distal end. No scabbard came with the sword. The disc in the handle rotates freely. Old rust throughout, with some damage to the handle where it looks as though there is some deterioration. Unfortunately, someone has tried to sharpen it, and there is a small window of rust removed from the blade itself.

Hi Dave,

I'd say you have an average but honest Tulwar there.
Is there a temper in the blade?
Looks like a knuckle bow was removed a fair while back.
Not an uncommon modification

Not sure if I have a temper or not. The edge has been ground substantially. Do you have a suggestion as to how to tell?
Dave

Is the damage on the handle from the removal of the knuckle bow?

The odd asymetric shape of the lower quillion terminal shows the 'stub' of the knuckle bow.
The 'damage' might be where a pin secures the blade into the hilt?