This is curious. The 1822/45 pattern has yarn wrapped around the inside guard, which would seem to be to prevent chafing of the uniform while worn. But the purpose of the folding guard is said to be to resolve that, so this seems redundant.
If the holes in the boat shell guard were to thread yarn for the chafing issue that might be feasible. If they were to secure padding as with many basket or half basket hilts, it seems it would be full surround.
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