Talwar blade decorated with animal battles

[ALEX]

Originally Posted by dana_w

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Would anyone care to hazard a guess on its age? Has anyone seen something similar, and if so where?

This is undoubtedly an Indian tulwar with hand chiseled blade. Sometimes it is called "hunting" because it shows hunting scenes. You're right, the hilt is decorated in coftgari. The similar sword you can see here:
Link to similar
I'd like to add that the quality of your sword is quite good, and it shows genuine signs of age. These swords were produced starting from 19th Century and I believe yours is a genuine 19th Century sword.