Hi Radleigh,
sorry to hear your disappointment about this piece
. Any news on the blade etch ? The guard is very interesting, the bird head appears to be an owl ....
"In India, a white owl is considered a companion and vāhana (Vehicle of god/goddess) of Lakṣmī, the goddess of wealth, and therefore a harbinger of prosperity. The owl has been adapted as an emblem to reflect its implications of wisdom (Wise old owl) by a revered military institution in India known as the Defense Services Staff College. In colloquial use, however, it is commonly used to refer to stupidity. The Hindi word for owl, ulloo is used to refer to a foolish person...."
The Defense Services Staff College was created 1905 as the Army Staff college in Deolali (near Bombay) before partition.
Is it possible that the hilt is ceremonial ..perhaps for the Army Staff College..the knuclebow 'arrangement' looks too weak for combat. The hinges have little strength, but judging by the colour variation of the guard / knuclebow perhaps a later addition.
Regards David