I am certain it is new. Personally, I would not touch it: I have a principled objection to the replicas.
If one needs a working blade , one should get a practical modern one. It can be done in a manner of a traditional sword if one wants to learn specific techniques, do martial arts etc.
If one collects, one should get an authentically-old one: the history aspect is paramount and, of course, one would not use it for cutting practice.
Yeah, yeah, I 've heard the arguments of preserving the tradition, maintaining old techniques etc. That's fine with me as long as these objects are clearly marked as contemporary and decorative . Sadly, this is not done in the majority of cases to confuse the prospective buyer into thinking that he is getting a real 18th century deal. Even with this proviso, I would do my best not to get contemporary imitations, no matter how pretty they are: they have no history behind them and leave me cold.
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