Tulwar, Talwar ID help please.

[ariel]

Originally Posted by Kubur

Well I agree but this statment applies to at least of 80% of ethno swords, not only Indian ones...
From Takouba to Katana

Undoubtedly, sword handles, especially made of organic material, h a tendency to deteriorate and were replaced. That was true also with full-metal handles as well.
But generally, the style of a handle remained the same.
India, however, was a multiethnic entity with decidedly ethnic styles. And that helps to figure out the blade/handle compatibility. Also,some styles of handles help in dating. And on top of that, there are minute details differentiating age and locality of manufacture.
In the majority of cases compatibility and lack thereof is doable by super-specialists of the Elgood’s caliber. Jens can do it with katars like few others.

I can pick up the crudest differences only.....