This is a wonderful early 18th c. Venetian Croat sword. Broad double-edged blade is 86 cm long, sword is 103 cm long overall. The sword has acquired a beautiful dark plum patina, one petal is gone from the front of basket, one from back, as is frequently seen with these complex hilts. The blade is marked on both sides with the "marca di mosca', bladesmith's marks in shape of moths, a telling sign of North Italian craftsmanship from Brescia or Veneto. The brass pommel displays the Venetian symbol, Lion of St.Mark, done in high relief.