Good observations, and there is a definite advantage to hands on examination of a weapon. With the number of curious exceptions to the many variations in often subtle degree on these hilts, it seems that there must have been understandable differences with the innovation and/or skill of the armourers. It would be great if it were possible to ascribe certain hilt characteristics to regions, but aside from broad applications it seems pretty unlikely. I think the closest has been Reed, who has reasonably identified the Darfur types.
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