Hi B.I.
You're right, he probably was more involved than being simply an Orientalist, and most likely acquired under via well informed assistance. Many actors
seriously assimilate into the roles they play, and authentic weapons would have been an ideal vehicle to generate such feeling. I know that personally my entry into collecting antique weapons was borne out of love of history, probably as most of us here, and holding an authentic weapon from a period or even possibly from a certain battle, sent my imagination into overdrive!!
Jeff,
When I knew Eljay in California back in the 70's I was always amazed as his astounding ability in repairing the weapons he would acquire. That grew into his ability to fashion entire hilts, which as noted, are remarkably authentic. He told me once that he always marked or stamped his work so that it would not end up being misrepresented, however, as seen here, some subsequent owners of the work seem to have overridden that effort. As you have noted,
to have one of his pieces is a pleasure in its own right.
All the best,
Jim