If you're really so inclined to know dave, if this hilt was a western vs. local addition, you could perform a simple test.
What you're gonna need is a paint stripper heat gun and a pair of Ov Gloves. Place the heat gun on the widest part of the blade and apply heat. Keep it there until it melts the plant resin that was commonly used back then. I'm sure by now you are familiar with the scent. Anything else, like epoxy or glue, would produce a different smell.
Not 100% accuate, but it would be somewhat safe to say it was added back in the islands..
The counter to this would be there's a possibility that if it was redone here, that person could've brought back with him some of the same plant resin, but what are the chances, right?
Not scientific nor 100% accurate, but it's a step closer...
BTW, what's that red looking thingy between the ferrule and the blade?
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