ID & Discussion: Afghan Folding Lohar (Banochie Tribe) — 2009 In-Country Bringback

[Oiluj13]

Hi everyone,I’m looking to get some thoughts, confirmation, and discussion on this piece. My brother acquired this in-country and brought it back directly from Afghanistan in 2009 during his deployment.Based on my initial research, it appears to be an Afghan Lohar (battle pick/war sickle) traditionally associated with the Banochie/Bannochi Pashtun tribe of the Khyber Pass region.Approximate Measurements:Blade Length: 6 inchesOverall Length (Handle to Top / Release Lever): About 14 inchesI have attached a series of photos showing its detailed features and unique mechanical configuration:The Blade & Macro Details: Features a severe, sickle-like downward curve. The flats of the steel are heavily decorated with intricate floral vine scrollwork panels, set against a stippled/punched background for contrast. Notably, the blade is completely unsharpened, which leads me to believe this specific piece was likely intended as a traditional status symbol, dress item, or regional trade piece rather than a functional weapon.Inlays & Spine Notches: Interestingly, there are small copper/brass plugs or pins inlaid directly into the steel flats on both sides of the blade (at least five total across both faces). Furthermore, there are distinct, deep notch marks filed into the back spine of the blade right where it meets the hilt frame.The Spine Construction: The steel spine features a deeply chiseled pattern running all the way down into the handle recess. The pattern changes style at the main joint, shifting from an intertwined running wave/vine motif on the lower section to a distinct leaf-and-tendril scroll on the upper frame section. The locking latch at the end carries matching scrollwork details.Blade Spine Macro Detail: Looking closely at the spine edge of the blade itself, it features an engraved running-wave pattern flanked by stylized geometric terminals. The edges of the spine are hand-filed with decorative notches. Visible tool marks and slight irregularities along the spine confirm it was hand-finished.The Folding Mechanism: This is a multi-folding variant. Not only does the blade fold down into the brass-clad section of the haft, but the bone-and-horn handle section also folds down at a secondary pivot joint. It collapses into an incredibly compact, pocket-sized package.Given the 2009 provenance, it provides a great tangible reference point for what was physically present in the region during that era. I know these have been widely discussed on the forum regarding their historical use as status symbols versus functional weapons.I would love to get the community's perspective on a few specific points:Age & Origin: Is this an antique late-19th or early-20th-century tribal piece that survived in the region, or does the workmanship point to a mid-to-late 20th-century bazaar production made for regional trade?The Inlays & Notches: Do these copper/brass blade dots and spine notches signify a specific regional workshop, maker's mark, or protective talismanic meaning?The Handle Joint: How common is this specific three-part folding mechanism where the grip itself folds, compared to the rigid-handled or single-folding Lohars?Any insights, catalog references, or corrections on the regional attribution would be greatly appreciated!Thanks,Oiluj13