I, too, would like to know the exact date of this piece.
I know that it's sulu and from my approximations it may be from the 1800's? Perhaps mid 1800's but someone like kai or Battara would know better than I.
The handle, like you suggest, is a new addition I think. Also the orientation of the gangya has been modified. Gangya typically have an upward cant. Originally it must have looked something like this:
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