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			 Member 
			
			
			
			Join Date: May 2011 
				
				
				
					Posts: 1
				 
				
				
				
				
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			I have come across an interesting phenomenon in my collection.  I have 3 sets of swords/sabres from different parts of Europe, that seem to have male and female animal decoration on the hilts. I have attached 2 (fuzzy) images.  Apart from the hilts, the blades and scabbards are exactly the same. 
		
		
		
			Was this common practice? Does it signie in rank of the wearer?  | 
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