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 characterized by its wood-covered brass construction, adorned with repoussé and chasing work. It features a distinctive downturned projection at the 'pommel' end that resembles the snout of a stylized animal head.