Fake
Sorry not to have posted this warning sooner.
After studying my sword closely and comparing it with known authentic ribbon hilts I concluded that it was a beautifully made reproduction.
I returned it to the dealer who did not dispute my conclusions. I learned very recently that it was sold on to another collector to whom I have explained my reasoning.
First, it is simply more than coincidental to find two swords, purportedly made in the 17th Century, with the names of different makers -- one of whom is unknown -- that are identical in every respect.
Second, it is also more than coincidental that neither sword shows any marks of use, no dings or dents, which a real ribbon hilt has in abundance.
Handling the one sword in comparison with other, authentic, swords offers the "feeling" that it just isn't right.
I learned later that my sword came through an English dealer who has a reputation for distributing iffy pieces.
In my case at least its purchase was a matter of enthusiasm overcoming good sense because my firm belief now is that both swords were not made in the 1600s but in the late 1900s or early 2000s.
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