My $.02 which should be taken with a hefty pinch of salt. I would wager that not only the grip wiring, but the whole grip is a replacement. I may be wrong, but the hilt construction appears unusual, and I wouldn't be surprised if, upon close examination, it was discovered that a couple of branches were removed. The condition of the blade does not correspond with the condition of the hilt. Whether these were period alterations, I can't say.
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