This is a fascinating piece Radleigh, and while I cannot say I have ever seen anything exactly like it, I think your Afghan assessment is most likely.
I would suggest that this is a tribal item from the northwest frontiers of India in probably latter 19th century, possibly into the 3rd Afghan War period (1919).
The hilt is of Afghan style, the recurved blade very much yataghan, sosun patah as noted.
In these times of geopolitical flux as 'The Great Game' raged, the 'borders' were anything but defined, especially tribally.
I think the Anglicized military swords used by the Afghan military c.1880's to 1919, with distinct knuckleguard, as seen on many Khyber knives so mounted reflect the popularity of adding this feature to these edged weapons.
An interesting hybrid, a karud type hilt, yataghan type blade with ricasso, and knucklebow.......absolutely fantastic, and what a perfect addition to a grouping of weapons from these regions in these times.
Definitely a great prospect for more research.
All the best,
Jim
P.S. The bottom illustration of Khyber with knuckleguard Kronckew posted has possibilities....where it is from ?
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