Katana Signature Assistance Please

[Brian]

I think there is a lot of diversion here that leads away from the facts. The fact is that 99.9% of NCO Gunto are machine made, and not meant to be taken apart. They are monosteel and have cast aluminium fittings. Those buying them shouldn't be taking them apart as there is no reason to.
The fact that this one happened to have a replaced blade is waaaay out there in terms of probability, and it certainly wasn't made or issued that way.
Someone put this together and there won't be any Eureka moment. We don't want people buying NCO's expecting there to be a good blade in it. If it has a hi and a serial, leave it alone.
If it doesn't, it is a fake or a put together like this one.
Just my 2c.

[LionsFan]

Thanks everyone for your help and comments! Just to drill down a bit (pun intended) if the sword is generally put together, does this mean that the blade is likely original? I am very curious if the tang was welded on later or if it may be authentic and the filing marks may be from someone putting the new fittings on the sword.