Hello Andrew
, a long time I hid it away at a place where I was sure I could find it, but now I have forgotten where that is. Should I however find it, I will be sure to remember your thoughts about where it ought to be
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Eric, no there are no hallmarks, and I have, as far as I remember, nit seen hallmarks on Indian made silver hilts.
Jim, I have been told that the inscription says 'made by Mirza Ali'.
Silver Mughal hilts are not seen often, and you are right the end of the langet is most unusual - it is the only one I have ever seen.
Enibas, silver hilts can be plain like the one shown, gilded or decorated in many different ways. It is not true that hilts ending in an animal head are 19th century. They can be, but they can also be much older.
Jens