Thank you so much RhysMichael ! it looks like we're pretty much on the same page! I like that you brought up the Qianlong emperor, which is an excellent example of hybrid weapons carrying pronounced Indian influence.
Another case in point are the koras with tulwar hilts, that seem to come from Bengal regions bordering Nepal.
Your thinking is anything but flawed! Its exactly the kind of thinking we should all employ as we study these weapons. Speculation is simply presenting ideas that need more evidence and support, which we always hope will be brought in by others with access to resources or examples that may either support or disprove the idea.
I have always been intrigued by examples of Indian swords mounted with British blades, and in some instances vice versa during the British Raj. In North Africa, it is difficult to find examples of the Manding sabre not mounted with usually French but almost always European sabre blades.
In Ceylon, the kastane nearly always had European hanger blades, many often with Dutch VOC markings.
We could go on for some time with examples of foreign blades mounted in local hilts, often one the primary theme of much of the research on many threads.
Also an excellent point on the Kachin !
You're right with us David! and I think this piece looks pretty good!
Also I like your idea about possibility as a pirate weapon!
it probably would be if any of these guys got thier hands on one.
Thanks very much guys,
Jim