Thankyou Henk, Galvano, Jim and Spiral, for your comments
(Spiral I seem to remember you are/were a cabinet maker....so praise indeed, thank you
)
Galvano, I didn't know that most scabbards were of 'white wood', I chose mahogany for its strengh and durabillity. Mahagony was planted in India during the Colonial era.......so there is a chance that the wood I used was grown in India
I have removed more wood from the scabbard and I think it has improved the 'look'. Just need to 'tidy' the 'mouth' of the scabbard
As to the velvet covering I am trying to 'source' some old velvet from, say, old curtains. I think 'new' velvet would not 'look right'....would prefer the slightly worn/faded look.