Thanks for all the info guys!
The spine is indeed concave - as I believe I pointed out in my first post somewhere in the Wall O'Text up there.
No worries guys, we in the digital generations have nuked our attention span a looong time ago.
I have no doubt that the blade has been used for practical tasks over a longer period. The angle and diversity of the micro-scratches are consistent with the ones I for instance have made over the years on my own field-panga or seen on other choppers still in use. There are likewise visible signs of sharpening, dulling and chipping of the edge etc.
As per your suggestions, I will take closeups of the handle thread, the ricasso area, the fullers and the carvings on the scabbard and be back.
Thank you to all who've commented - you guys are great!
All the best, - Thor