Hello Robert,
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Because of the overall styling and degree of craftsmanship shown (not only in the hilts carving) I would agree with your dating this piece to the end of the 19th century to early 20th century.
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Thanks for chiming in! I've been slow to respond to the comments...
BTW, have you come across any similar "maker's mark" on Luzon blades?
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Also as I forgot to mention earlier, the copper pin you ask about is most likely for decorative purposes only and that originally each individual flower both near the ferrule and butt cap would have held one.
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Yup, I also forgot to mention this possibility - thanks for reminding me!
It certainly would look neat and be more in line with the horn hilts decorated with pins of silver/etc.; a copper pin may also be too soft to really secure a blade...
It just seemed odd to me that only these 2 pins survived though. Maybe I should get a x-ray done to put that idea to rest...
Regards,
Kai