What a travesty!
The blade and ferrule have been plated. The scabbard and remainder of the hilt have been polyurethaned.
I believe that a piece like this should be restored to how the native culture would have it. Strip the plated blade and etch it. Sand away the wood to its natural state and (maybe) stain it. And get Battara to make you a nice new silver ferrule.
From what I can see of the blade it seems to have some age--perhaps a hidden treasure under that plating.
