The Grah family seems to have been in the cutlery business for more than just the 19th century and Is ee listings later in the 19th century. However, the only book reference I have is for a Peter Grah(e) operating from 1786-18??. It would seem to be William Grah and definitely fabricated in Solingen. During the mid 1800s, I see them listed as Gebruder (brothers) Grah with a hot air balloon as a mark. I do not have Dick Bezdek's German swordmakers book but wouldn't be surprised if he does list a William.
The style of the sword is very much second half of the 18th century, so late 1700s would be narrowing it a bit, if a predecessor to Peter. There is an Ernst as well but I just don't have the data for them.
I suggest you register at
http://www.swordforum.com/forums/forum.php and pick some brains in the Antique&Military section there, as someone may have the book(s) that cover a broader range of the surname. I'll peek in a couple of others but the one reference I have by name is Mowbray's eagle pommel title.
Dick Bezdek and some others will research for a fee. I think dick still gets $20-$25 for his time.
www.theswordman.com/ He is not infallible though and I pick apart the couple of titles from him I do own but he is a great compilier of data, so the errors are usually someone else's
It is a fine hussar type and displays traits of that 18th century build. I am guessing the blade is more than 32" but you can probably provide more specifications. Your pictures are a great help in showing both the spine marks (and the extreme distal properties) as well as the blade decoration.
If it has been in the family forever, diligent research may place it in time quite entirely. I think though we are looking at the third quarter of the 1700s, or just a little later. Treasure it, for all its faults. Light oil and a soft cloth only, please. Keep the oil off the grip, as it looks pretty stable as it is.
Cheers
GC
