I agree, it 'looks' like a file...but, all the files I've owned (4 or 5) are slightly tapered like your pic but have a 'square' end opposite the smooth pointed end. Yours seems to taper to a pt. Can't tell from your pics...does one (or both) edge(s) appear to be sharpened...or, are they flat (w/o an edge)? Finally, I would think that if it is a file...some rust could be 'bumped' off by striking it with the handle of a large screw driver and thereby reveal some evidence of the machining to produce the file. GL and HH!
Hand tool, primarily used to sharpen other tools, i.e., hoes, knives, shovels, etc.
The 'machining' I spoke of would be 'fine, criss/cross, parallel groves' running diagonally on both sides and both edges.
Also, just noticed your item is bent. Due to tempering, files tend to be highly 'brittle' and break before bending. I'm leaning towards sword. If no criss/cross 'machining' on the flat surcaces and evidence of sharpened edge(s) versus flat...then, I believe you have a sword. Could be wrong, but that's this person's opinion.
Ok... I just looked again. The tyne (hilt) on that thing is bigger than your hand! How long and wide is it? If it's longer than 12" or so... It's not a file.
Im no expert but I use files on and off and I have never seen a file with a rounded nose.i may be wrong but looks like a broadside to me.None of my business but where was it found?vanzutphen
Ok i understaind,will take much better pictures tommorow on daylight and from all sides,it was found in Croatia,City:Zaprešić,in the big forest that start's in that City(my city) and ends somwhere in Slovenia,about 3-4km from the spot i found it there is a little village called Drenje and on wikipedia can be found that the romans were there,there are remains of that age found there(Old Rome) copper axe and stone axe,i have found a simillar sword in Croatia in a museum and will give you the link so just translathe the page,i am not sayin it is Roman but they were close and the sword from the museum is a bit simillar type of it....hope yoi understaind and thank you all http://www.gmk.hr/Predmet/10844
If those floor tiles are 12" then we're looking at a file that's almost 3' long...that's a pretty big hand file. I've never seen a hand file that big, but maybe it's an agricultural type hand tool? Plus as mentioned, they usually don't bend, but break...at least in my experience.
Given 'where' you found it and better understanding of its length...I'm 'on-board' with sword and not a file. I'm sure a number of us were thinking you found it in the US and were wary of calling it a sword. Awesome discovery. The opportunities you have there, keeps the rest of us envious and thinking about the price of airline tickets.
Short Sword. To long for a file, bevel profile and taper front view. The tine is right for a single handed short sword for length. My opinion. I don't suspect it to be roman era for the materials.