Hey everyone,

I have come across something that I cant seem to place. First the sword has a round tip, one that I have never seen before. Which of course rules out any thrusting capabilities and makes me believe it is either a show piece or has a special purpose.

Does anyone have any ideas or know what it is? I am thinking Italian, ca. 17th-18th C.?

Also, authenticity, from the photos the wear seems legit. However, because of the text, which can be seen in the microscope views, it gives me the feel that it could be modern??

SPECS:

Total length including handle 99.5 cm
Length of handle 22.5 cm
Blade length 77.0 cm
Cross Guard width 19.5 cm
Blade Width at the handle 6.8 cm
Blade width, round end 4 cm
Weight: 1.6 kg
Blade is still sharp.

The thickness of the blade at the handle is approx. 4.5 mm and has fluctuating values around 5.5 to 5.8 along the fuller towards the tip.

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Round tips and ornamentation are often present on executioner's swords.

I have no knowledge of Latin whatsoever, but according to google translate the inscription in the fuller partially reads something like:
Lived without respect

The other inscription says something about "and ....blacksmiths...." and "for grace"

Perhaps translating the entire inscription might shed some light on its history.

The other side of the blade has what appears to be a wheel similar to that on other execution swords from the Renaissance.
I would hazard a guess that it is a depiction of "Rota Fortunae" or fortune's wheel.
In Medieval Europe It often had the connotation of the tragic downfall of the mighty and that death comes unexpectedly.
All of which seems to be consistent with it being an implement of execution.

There's an excellent chance that I am completely wrong on all of it, but you get what you pay for.

Hope that helps a bit.

It is not a topic I'm familiar with but it maybe worth exploring a Masonic connection for the sword.