Hello Ben,
This weird hilt seems still odd to me - I wouldn't want to rule out a later (but still fairly old) refitting job. It just doesn't vibe with any traditional hilt from the region as well as basic ergonomics... BTW, how is that silver clamp fastened to the hilt/ferrule?
That blade has an awfully nice twistcore pattern, congrats!
I'd suppose it to be late 19th century, possibly around the Spanish-American war (a safer guess may be 1870-1930). The blade originates from Mindanao (either Maguindanao or Maranao manufacture) and was probably brought over to Borneo. The scabbard feels more Sulu/Borneo to me.
Regards,
Kai
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