The distal part of the hilt is almost always of wood covered with brass, usually decorated with repoussé and chasing, and has a characteristic downturned projection forming the snout of a stylised animal head at the 'pommel' end (though the pommel and grip are made in a single piece - the identity of the animal is unknown, with dog, camel and chimaera all being suggested).
The distal part of the hilt is typically crafted from wood covered in brass, often adorned with intricate repoussé and chasing work. It features a distinctive downturned projection at the 'pommel' end that resembles the snout of a stylized animal head (though the pommel and grip are formed as one piece, the animal's identity remains unknown, with dog, camel, and chimera being suggested).