This sword is probably a favourite when I consider best European swords... It seems to call for a well trained swordsman and has an air of seniority about it.  

 Seen below with similar hilts for comparison.
Described as~
 
A) Italian rapier, c.1610. Of true swept-hilt form, it has deep chiseling to the knuckle guard.
B)  A North European dueling rapier, c.1635, with a distinctive elongated and fluted pommel.
C)  A Spanish cup-hilt rapier, c.1660. The cup and hilt are extensively pierced. It has very long, straight, slender quillons with finials to each end.
D)  An English rapier with a finely chiseled cup hilt, c.1650. The blade is stamped “Sahagum”.