The hilt on this piece instantly suggests a Bukharen weapon in its shape, and the weapon overall resembles the Khyber knife of Afghanistan, which is interestly also termed 'Salawar yataghan'. The hilt and scabbard mounts in chased and repousse metal are similar to the multi-lobate hilts made in Hyderabad for export to Arabia (discussed on the thread 'karabela'?), although these are silvered, while this is either copper or gilded. The gold colored repousse work suggests Gujerat, where this type of work was known to be done (Pant, p.209-210).
As has been noted, elaborately metalworked hilts of this form would seem unlikely for fighting weapons, and would be considered more likely to have been intended for court or dress occasions.
Best regards,
Jim
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