Thank you, dennee for your thoughts - you are among the forumites that came to mind after reading through some of the Bhutan threads in the archive.
Unfortunately, another among us who likely would have something to say is no longer with us, though there are several others I am hoping will chime in when time allows - a certain brother in (antique) arms Down Under comes to mind...
In revisiting the document to which you had provided a link (originally downloaded after reading Tatyana's thread about a Bhutanese sword with a plated blade a couple years ago), I realize that the corded wrapping on the grip is indeed common. Thanks again for the link, and not knowing if the document has been updated (more pics?) from the iteration already on my desktop, I downloaded it again.
With regards to the green discoloration on the udnerside of the base of the hilt, after viewing it with a 20x loupe, I am still rather certain it is pigment.
Cheers,
Chris