While traditional in use re-fitting is not un-heard of, I am suspicious of this piece being done older (50 years ago). Particularly due to the heavy attempt to age the fittings, blue glue (I just dont think blue glue would stay blue for fifty years, I would see it getting darker from ), and the blackened blade with live rust (generally the blades that get this treatment are in rough shape to highlight the age) and that Ive have seen this plainer fitting motif on newer pieces that I have been told were new. I also have my doubts about this blade being a good candidate for the owner to put such fittings. If it were traditional fittings, he is upgrading a battle blade with datu-esque fittings. Particularly after WWII, I am suspicious. If he is jumping up in rank, during the fifties I can think of other vestiges that would be more common.
I hate to say it, but while over-done pieces are easier to detect, those who try to pass of old as new are getting smarter and are realizing subtler construction is easier to pass off. There have been a number of pieces that Ive seen, and known were modern composites and was surprised at the sophistication they are starting to attain.
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