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Originally Posted by M ELEY
If you mention 'pirate', you get my attention- 
Could this have been a captured British cutlass rehilted by Malay pirates? I've seen exactly that from a m1840 cutlass cut down and refitting, complete with a Malay grip. . |
Does the shape of the grip on the present example give any hint as to Malay style or craftsmanship? Is this shape identical or similar to that on the M1840 that you have seen? Might you have a pic of that sword to share for comparison purposes? As you stated, the presence of the rayskin covering is a feature of some European hilts as well.
This is indeed an intriguing piece and your comments about the possibility of bespoke or ad hoc creation as a non-regulation weapon are well worth considering.