Correct if wrong but normal guard sculpted from flat piece, thicker piece allow more carved curve?

But if tip of guard extend back past flat in handle then tip bent back or really huge brass used and everything carved away but tip. And they did no work guard separate from handle? Only all together?

Mystery as brass crack when bent, heat would burn leather and spacer. Maybe huge brass after all? Casting with more bent back top? Or bent and tilted? Front guard in photo suggest top pushed back but not good photo for detail as that.