How late were they pevalent? Were they still used as late as the 1800s? I saw a example recently that had what looks like a later saber blade, but the hilt looks much older. Pity it doesnt have the handle and pommel. Its a beauty!
Here is a pic

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Hi Tom,
While the blade may be later, it may be original to the hilt, as one of the German blade types used around 1600 had a single wide fuller. They sometimes also had the step at the false edge, as does the one in your photo. If the blade has any maker's stamps in the fuller on the left side, it's most likely a German or Italian blade from ca. 1600.

--ElJay