That looks like upside-down Theban script to me.
Theban is used by wiccans on their tools and things, so I'd say that you got a ceremonial blade of some sort. I have no idea of where the script came from originally, although it probably came from some ceremonial magician or alchemist
You can search for it on the web, but here's the translation sheet I got off the web.
I tried translating it from the script, but I think it'd be easier on the blade itself, rightside up. I think the first frame says something like "Ace of Swords"
My guess is that someone got an old sword, and reinscribed it for ceremonial use sometime in the last 50 years.
Probably explains why it feels so good in your hand, too.
Fearn