Hi Richmond,
The ornamental style of the carvings on the hilt seems to point towars ca. 1560, based on the acanthus leaves, although the profuse piercings would suggest somewhat earlier stylistic aesthetics of ca. 1530.
The irregular corrosion of the blade reminds me of swords salvaged from tombs, showing heavy rust only in places that were in close contact with the body.
As to the flexibility of the blade I can tell by experience that blades of two-handed swords are far from being stiff; they are highly flexible instead.
Best,
m
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