German Cavalry Sword?

[Iliad]

Hi all, I have put a question mark after the heading of German Cavalry Sword, because I have been wrong so often in the past!! From looking at pics in books, I think that it may be dated about 1895(?).....Now some questions:
1. Is it what I think it is?
2. Why does it have a folding handguard? I read somewhere that it was to stop the handguard from rubbing against the uniform, but surely if the sword was worn on the left side then the flat part of the guard would be against the uniform?
3. Could it be for a "leftie"? But if so, then the left hand would be unguarded?
4. Are there any swords for lefthanders? If not, did they have their hands unguarded while using a righthanded sword with the left hand?
5. There is a dent on each side of the scabbard, which I read is caused by the wearer passing through swinging doors, which then closed on the sword trailing behind. Is this true?

I suppose that my naive questions may provoke some mirth among the experts, but I can cope with that as long as I get the answers!
Best regards to all, I get heaps of enjoyment from this site.
Brian