Greetings all - and thank you for the interesting comments and answers. I have attached some clearer photos that should possibly help to better establish an age and origin of the sword. Can anyone tell me if there was ever anything in the gap between the 'flanges' where the blade enters the hilt? Am I also correct in assuming that one shouldn't try and clean the sword further or try and straighten the bent end of the hand guard! All I have done to date is lightly remove the loose surface rust with some oil and 0000 grade steel wool. I look forward to any further comments and thoughts.
Regards
Ian
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