Yeah, I too think this is the real deal. Not unknown that the pommel is pinned to the hilt - I have seen this before and in fact have the same treatment on my older one (very similar) - quality burled wood is difficult to carve and hard to come by in large sizes. A smaller example is easier to find and less costly.
Also, the blade carving does not bother me. I'll bet that a good etch might reveal a twist core in the middle.
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