Sword on E-Bay for ID

[ariel]

This one was sold.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=6502196324&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT

I vaguely remember seeing a similar slit in the crossguard somewhere: Danish? Swedish? Dutch? Some kind of European .....
For some reason it bugs me.
Anybody has a book on European swords to consult?

[tom hyle]

The slit is not uncommon, encountered alone or in pairs, it is for the attachment of a lanyard or sword knot, though I'm unclear on details. One name for it is porte something; port epee or something.

[M ELEY]

The hilt resembles that found on Polish swords, with this particular stirrup guard. The markings on the blade- "Fischel", are German? The slit in the quillon is used for the portapee knot, and is a finding on mid-19th century and later swords. Nice sword.