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<p>[QUOTE=&quot;2manybooks, post: 4493889, member: 8267&quot;]The shape and structure looks similar to a Messer type of single edged utilitarian knife/short sword. </p><p>&quot;Unlike most swords, a Messer&#039;s tang (the part of the blade covered by a grip) remains the same, or close to, the width as the rest of the blade. The grips, usually of wood, are placed either side of the wide tang, like a sandwich, and the whole assemblage is riveted together.&quot;</p><p><a href="https://collections.royalarmouries.org/object/rac-object-120.html" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="https://collections.royalarmouries.org/object/rac-object-120.html" rel="nofollow">https://collections.royalarmouries.org/object/rac-object-120.html</a></p><p><br /></p><p>As komo noted, the finger ring suggests a hunting knife. The examples of actual fighting swords with finger rings/guards that I have found show the ring(s) placed in front of the guard (toward the blade), to protect the index finger when it is crossed over the guard, a style of grip that shows up in the 14th century.</p><p><a href="https://www.arms-n-armor.com/blogs/news/early-finger-rings-on-guards-why" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="https://www.arms-n-armor.com/blogs/news/early-finger-rings-on-guards-why" rel="nofollow">https://www.arms-n-armor.com/blogs/news/early-finger-rings-on-guards-why</a></p><p><br /></p><p>I have not been able to find another example with a guard + finger ring quite like yours, which might indicate that it is not a standard form, but rather a custom made piece. As Gus noted, the use of bronze/brass for the guard (rather than steel) also might suggest it was not made by a professional sword smith.</p><p><br /></p><p>Here is an interesting discussion of a somewhat similar mystery sword:</p><p>[MEDIA=youtube]MmUDsEobtH4[/MEDIA][/QUOTE]</p><p><br /></p>

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