I haven't had a chance to clean it up yet, or get better photos (these are from the seller), but here's a similar piece that I recently picked. Aside from the string/fiber in the "gaps", the hilt is completely brass. I do wonder if they all originally had these?
The only other things I'll add are that the hilt is a little small for my hands, and I was a little surprised at how blade heavy it is.
Thanks,
Leif
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