The guard would start at the base of the "flame". Take a look at where the base of the flame would meet the guard. On both of the swords I have, the base, as it is about to hit the guard starts to flair back out to meet the outside of the guard but it is very clear they are separate. It would be near impossible to file a perfect 90 degrees. One of your pics seem to show a separation line under the elephants head. One of my kris is a straight line. The other is straight almost to the end (1/4") & has a perfect curve. That same one has no visible line, on one side where the flame mets the guard & clearly part the stirrup shows wear where the user gripped the hilt & had his thumb on the flame & stirrup. I would guess these guys put in a lot of practice hours & time cleaning from the tropical rust.
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