European "Schlager" Fencing or Practice Sword

Early fencing sword, circa mid-to-late-1800s, presumed from Germany (possibly Britain) or general region; there is an outside chance of this being American manufacture in the European style.

Overall length is ~38-1/2";

Hilt is ~6-1/2" in length - including basket crossguard.
Interconnected (riveted in some locations) sheet-steel grid basket with forged-steel "D"-guard. "Bird's-head" pommel-cap, also steel; Grip is wood, was wrapped in cord, over-wrapped in a layer of leather, presumed to have had a twisted-wire wrap on top of that.

Straight double-edged blade is ~32" in length, ~3/4" wide and ~1/4" thick at ricasso; unfullered, blunt (rounded) tip; blade is un-marked, so manufacturer is unknown.
One virtually identical to this is pictured in William H. Horstmann of Philadelphia's 1877 catalog labeled "Horstmann Bros. and Co. Illustrated Catalogue of Military, Society, Regalia, Theatrical Goods, Flags, Banners, Etc., Etc., Etc." The item is on page 128, item 17, under "Fencing Foils and Swords " and is called a "Hau Rapier, Light, Iron Mounted". Horstman imported many sword styles from Germany.



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