Hello Robert,
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It would seem a bit redundant to have a single soft copper pin go through the tang (weakening it by drilling) when it already extends completely through the hilt and butt plate and is then peened to secure the blade.
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Yeah, I agree that wouldn't make sense with a peened tang.
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With this piece sporting silver fittings you might have the pin checked to see if it isn't a low grade gold alloy instead of copper.  This might also explain why most of them are now missing. 
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Thanks for the good idea - might well be red gold or decent suasa: No tarnishing visible with them while the silver retains quite some old tarnish...
I'll report back when I manage to obtain sound results!
Regards,
Kai