Hunting Sword, Thoughts?

[A Senefelder]

A friend and co-worked of mine who is predominantly collects ACW and War of 1812 recently shared a curious European hunting sword with me. I ask his permission to share it here to see what folks thoughts on it might be. The blade is the real curiousity of it. I believe it is wootz and have attached a pic close up pic of the pattern. The long snakey raised figures on either side of the blade running full length with gold decoration are something I've never scene before. He knows nothing at this time beyond what the person from whom he obtained it told him which is that this sword was a WWII bring back. He took lots of pictures so I will post the best/most relevant for perusal. Any and all thoughts regarding country of origin, maker age ect. are welcome and appreciated.