unusual Oman kattara ?

[Rivkin]

Dear All,

I've came into pocession of an unusual Omani kattara (?), thanks in part to RSWORD.

What is typical Omani about it:
Rather long (32 inches exactly) straight fullered blade, hilt that gradually narrows towards the pommel, heavy prismatic pommel.

What is strange (to me):
hilt rather than being typical omani wirework or straps of leather is made of some sort of horn - two halves brought together and connected with silver (?) ring, covered with an engraved ornament. I can see three dots and may be a fish in this ornament ? Very unusual for kattara. The pommel is more prismatic than squarish.

The blade:

To me the fuller is made very nicely, the blade is very springy, with a rombic cross-shape (it's thick in the middle and narrows towards the corners). Solingen's running wolf is present.

I don't know if it's local or real (could it be - I heard real blades are not uncommon in kattaras ?). Afaik fake wolfs sometimes either too detailed or completely wrong (portraying a different animal alltogether). This one seems to be a little bit more detailed than usual, but it fits quite nicely some real Solingen patterns I have in the catalogues (which does not mean it's real). In general I have a good feeling concerning this blade's quality. Patina under the hilt is extremely deep and blackish.

Dear All ! Could you help me please with your opinions ?

Sincerely yours,

Kirill Rivkin