Hello Ian,
And thank you very much for your thoughts on this. I forgot to mention when I first posted this knife that the seller stated to me that the original hilt was in fact made of ivory and was removed for that same reason a few years ago.
When asked he would not elaborate on what happened to the ivory and would only say that he wished that it was still available. A silver hilt over a wooden core I think would be just as nice as the missing ivory one. As I have been working with silver for quite a few years it would most likely be much easier for me to make one in the manner you have described than it has been for me to locate a suitable piece of ivory to carve a new one from. I am really looking forward to seeing the photos of the silver hilted examples you have kindly offered to post. If you do not mind, would you care to offer your thoughts as to the possible age of this piece? Again, thank you again for your interest and help.
Best,
Robert