An Extremely Rare Sword ('Grosse-Messer' Or 'Kriegsmesser')
Austrian, Late 15th Century With long broad falchion-like blade double-edged at the point, cut with a narrow fuller over most of its length along the back-edge and struck with a mark on one side, iron hilt comprising straight quillons of tapering circular section each with a double turn at the ends, upturned fluted side-guard of fishtail form riveted through the pointed quillon-block, beak-shaped pommel widely fluted on each side, and long slightly curved grip fluted en suite and covered with velum (light rust patination overall)