Another thought.
The quality of the silver pommel casting is spectacular. What surprises me a bit is the simplicity of the silver inlay on the blade. The patterns are crude relative to the refinement of the pommel.
Are we seeing a gap in technological skill/talent between casting and inlay craftsmen, or different sensibilities regarding what is important or what requires more detail (ie. the pommel is more visible than the blade, hence exhibits more refinement, the blade is used and hence needs rougher decoration).
Could the inlay and pommel have been added at different times in the piece's life, by different owners, again with different concerns or ability to afford embellishment?
Thanks,
Emanuel
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