Since this thread is getting long, for your reference here is an annotated picture of the sword showing the dimensions I reported earlier.
I also am attaching:
- three pictures of where the hilt and blade meet
- a top-down thickness picture
- a picture showing me holding the sword with one hand -- note this was very difficult due to the weight distribution. This is not a one-handed weapon unless you are very strong.
Thank you very much for the comments and discussion thus far!
Best,
Dave A.