[Jim McDougall]

Originally Posted by fernando

Ah Jasper, i was missing your knowledgeable and keen observations; i thank you so much for those and for the enlightening hilt illustrations.

Worthy of note is how your remarks do not significantly differ from those transmitted by Jim when i seeked his advice prior to this sword acquisition:

(QUOTE) Actually this would be considered a mid-European basket hilt sword with hilt of the form which evolved into the familiar schiavona type.
... but most prominantly this example seems mid European, probably German and may well be of the period specified (second half XVI century) if not slightly later. (END QUOTE).

Thanks again for your input, which i will register and save.

Thank you so much Nando!!!