This is a superb example of a rare sword form, generally identified as Swiss, though used in southern Germany (Bavaria) as well. Iron hilt with semi-basket guard formed of two-quarter bars connected with a deeply curved S-form bar. Recurved cross guard with trefoil loops forward and thumb ring opposite. The bar junctions and center are finely chiseled as ghostly faces with inset latten eyes, flanked by stylized foliage. The quillon terminals are chiseled as monster heads with the pommel matching. The construction is clearly wrought iron with details of the forged joints shown. Black leather-covered hock bottle grip. 40 3/8” curved triple fullered blade with long raised false edge, marked with six Gothic crosses enclosed by circles (globes?). See Kunst-und Antiquitaten Antike Waffen und Rustungen, Fischer 2003, #25 for a sword of this exact type lacking the embellishments on this example, and dated C.1530-50. The finest example we have seen of a very rare, early and important type.