Sword identification request

[pascal marceau]

Hello everybody I am new on this forum. I have recently got a sword as a gift. I would appreciate your help and knowledge to try to determinate the kind of sword it is, and how old it could be. I do not have any information concerning where it may come (I would say Europe). And it looks like a “short” two handed sword.
Could you help me to know if it is a recent replica, victorian-era replica or whatever ?
Here is the link to see the photos (25), with close view of all the parts of the sword (blade, leather, pommel, peening, ...):
http://armesmedievales.hautetfort.com/album/epee/page1/

Overall length: 135.5 cm
Blade length: 104.5 cm
Blade width: 57 mm (at the hilt), 40 mm (close of the tip)
Blade thickness: 5 mm at the hilt, decreases to 3-4 mm near the point
Pommel length : 7 cm
Grip length (without the pommel) : 23 cm
Rectangular blade section length : from the hilt to 18 cm from the hilt
Fuller length (each side of the blade) : 55 cm from the hilt
Weight: about 2.5-3 kg
Point of balance: 16.5 cm from the hilt
Tang section dimension (at the crossguard) :2.5-3 cm x 0.5 cm

Pitting is present and some rust. The rust is on the surface, and impregnates the blade (I tried to remove it with soft steel wool (range 0000) and lubricant, but I removed almost no rust !). It seems that both the blade and the furniture were forged by hand. The blade is sharpened, with some pits along (edge broken). The grip is covered with leather (see photo). There are also two short fullers on each side of the blade, in the rectangular section. On one side, there three “X” stamped.
The juncture between the cross and the blade is open with crevices (I did not see solder). Rust at that place is more orange.
No sign of wrapping or ferrule on the hilt. Leather is very hard and dry (it is retracted along the grip), and used
A magnet clings everywhere on the sword (but not very much on the grip ... probably my magnet is not strong enought to "sense" the tang inside the grip !). I am going to compare with a recent stainless iron and I will tell you the result.
So, please I am waiting for your opinion and comments ! <img src="/forum/images/icons/smile.gif" alt="" />

[John_Clements]

It's almost impossible to tell by photos whether its authentic or possibly a modern (or even 19th century) forgery. Take it to an arms museum that has an experienced curator.

Do not try to clean it in any way ---that not only removes vital indicators of age but can ruin the piece.

[pascal marceau]

Thanks for your help.
Since I live close of Montreal (Quebec), do you know any museum with an experienced curator close of Montreal ? (Ottawa ?, ...)
I agree with you that only a real close inspection can determine how old is that sword. Nevertheless, with the photos, haven't you seen any details or clues that would definitively exclude a former or Victorian sword-kind ?
I do not have your experience concerning sword and fencing....Thanks again if you can help ! <img src="/forum/images/icons/smile.gif" alt="" />