The custom of sitting a blade high in the scabbard is not confined to Peninsula blades, it was also practiced in old Balinese dress, and there seems to be some indication that it may also have been practiced in early Jawa.
However, in all examples I have seen, no matter where from, the line of the top of the gonjo parallels the line of the top of the scabbard, and it is only the gonjo, or even part of the gonjo that stands proud.
If this scabbard was indeed made for this blade, I am inclined to Dave Henckel's view, that proper entry of the blade could be being hindered by an obstruction in the gandar.
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