Looking at the patina.....to me, is too uniform (suggesting it is not 'natural'). The hollow in the handle is, too me, a little suspicious, as if it should be hung on the wall as decoration (hollow side to the wall) ....this saves using brass/bronze which wouldn't be seen.
You also have to ask yourself, why a 'status' symbol would left 'uncleaned' for so long (long enough for such a dark patina to develop)
Regards David
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