Thank you Ariel. I believe Gav is correct - usual hilt construction on yataghans, including those with metal hilts is that the scales are not glued to the tang, but are held by rivets only, and this hollow space is covered by the metal band in the middle of the hilt. There are probably exceptions, but the majority of the damaged hilts I have seen follow this method of attachment.
My guess is that this was done to preserve scarce hilt material, such as walrus ivory, and to create an illusion that the scales were carved out of a giant piece of ivory or horn.
Regards,
Teodor
|