My take on this, after "studying" it a little more, is.

!. What it "started" out as ??? You may be correct in your assumption.
2. My Guess is "India" There are several "features" that are "similar" to the "cheap" ( $60.00) India made swords.
3. If I saw it on a "sale table', I would say "FAKE".
Hilt = See comment on "wear" of liner.
Blade seems to exhibit "antiquing" I have seen on "knives" Plus it's "configuration" edge etc.

I have emailed the "seller" asking for "documentation" I mai be "wrong" as I can not examine it personally.

Puffer