Fencing foils have 2 kinds of a handguard: the newer variety, called lunette (Moon-like?)that is a solid hemispherical cup and the older version, called Fleurette (flower-like). The latter looks like an "8" and the openings were usually covered with very heavy and thick pigskin.
That's what it is.
The blade, however, is much thicker and heavier than the modern foil. I would guess that the combination of a fleurette and heavy, fullered blade would safely place this fencing sword into the 19th century. Pity it was shortened, but the bastards tend to brake a lot! I once was almost killed when my opponent lunged at me with a foil that just broke at the tip and was needle-sharp! Shish-kabob-ed, so to speak...
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