Very, very nice David!!!!
But I would beg you, please show respect for this old warrior! If I was the lucky one owning this piece of history, I would stabilize it (just clean up any active rust with oil), and leave it intact. Its very unusual to see these mounted with rapier blades and especially that appear homogenous. I know that the Mahrattas would often obtain rapier blades from the Portuguese, but typically see the broadsword blades mounted in these khanda hilts.
Just my opinion....but I love these rusty old swords for thier history, and care little for show
There's nothing like reading on a historical period and place and holding one of these, as if its saying "..I know...I was there!!!"
And I well understand the 'Errol Flynn' thing.....its pretty much his fault I got caught up in the 'swords' thing. I'll never forget my dads immortal words as I pursued fencing in school....."...good Jim...something you can always use!" and grumbled more unintelligibly as he stalked off.
Envious regards,
Jim