I SUSPECT THE PAINT JOB WAS DONE BY THE OWNER AND THAT HE WAS LIKELY A FILIPINO. WHAT WE CONSIDER GAUDY AND A USE OF TOO BRIGHT OF COLOR THEY OFTEN FIND PRETTY. IF YOU DON'T BELIEVE THAT TAKE A LOOK AT THE JEEPNEYS AROUND MANILA.
THE PAINT LOOKS TO BE MODERN SO LIKELY WW2 OR LATER. I HAVE SEEN THE PAINTED HANDLES BEFORE ESPECIALLY ON THE TALIBON/ GARAB SMALLER KNIVES. IT IS LIKELY WE DON'T SEE EXAMPLES LIKE THIS VERY OFTEN BECAUSE THE FOREIGNERS ESPECIALLY FROM THE USA & ENGLAND WOULD FIND THE COLORS GARISH AND TACKY. THE SPANISH ON THE OTHER HAND LIKE BRIGHT COLOR BUT PERHAPS NOT ON THEIR KNIVES ALTHOUGH MUCH OF THE MODERN TOLEDO SOUVENIR SWORDS AND KNIVES ARE VERY BRIGHT, COLORFUL AND ORNATE. SO ITS UP TO YOU AS WHAT TO DO AND YOU WILL HAVE A BETTER IDEA WHEN YOU HAVE IT IN HAND.
