Zig-Zag Ladder Pattern

[ALEX]

Here it is:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Rare-Antique-Ind...QQcmdZViewItem
Apart from the seller who claimed speaking to Dr.Leo Fiegel a few days ago (Dr. Fiegel is no longer among us unfortunately), this sword looks legit. It displays a unique zig zag ladder pattern. Does anyone know of ANY similar pattern in existence elsewhere? Can it be authentic/original? Could the ladder rants were added later, i.e. recently? The reason to make them in the first place is to signify a "ladder to heaven", and would making any other geometrical variations be considered an anomaly (well, there is a double ladder pattern, rose variations, etc, but at least they are known, and still ladder patterns)? If it's authentic pattern - the realised price does not signify it's importance in any way. What gives?

MODERATOR NOTE: I'M ADDING THE PHOTOS FROM THE AUCTION SO WE DON'T LOSE THE REFERENCE MATERIAL. HERE ARE THE FIRST 12, AND THE REST WILL HAVE TO GO IN A LATER POST.