At least that's what it seems the Scott's monument was built for... (grin) The one I am working on is scaled at about 54 in long overall. There are a class of swords called bearing swords that are used for purely ceremonial purposes and are huge (too large to fight with actually). If I remember right, these start at 5 -6 feet and may go up to 7. The model above has some strapping forward of the cross guard to allow for a small degree of choking up for closer quarters use. I believe I should probably extend this further along the blade to be in proper proportion. As to the 12 in hilt - on a two handed bastard the users hands are usually separated by several inches to allow for more force through a pivoting action around the forward hand. This has the advantage of meaning that you do not have to move the sword as far from the guard position to deliver a good blow thus lessening your exposure to attack/counter.

Pass no temptation lightly by, for one never knows when it may pass again!