The images take on an almost caracaturish or cartoonish look and perhaps done as imitation of Qajar etching one finds on helmets and blades. I have seen devilish figures on Qajar etching before. The script may be done by an illiterate hand again in imitation of something else. I have a shaska with a blade that has a cartoonish "balloon" head that stylistically resembles the work on this blade. I have seen this "balloon" head on a kilij blade as well. What I do not know is if this imitation is a poorly done attempt at mimickry, ie mimicking is the best form of flattery, or, if it has a slightly sarcastic taste to it and a form of amusement to the blade owner. I also do not know what culture it would be from but I have seen this style in enough blades that it is quite interesting.
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