I agree xas, it's uncommon (perhaps rare) to find a hole in the tang. I believe this one is at least 19th C. However, I tend to be conservative with dating, and it might be pre-1800. It has the appearance of an antique blade with stable small areas of oxidation, etc. The blade has a nice patina and I refrained from over cleaning it. Just a little vinegar to bring out the faint twist core and a little rubbing with an organic solvent to see what covered the bolster under the black goop.
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