Ahlul Athar or Atharees

Q: I would like to find clarity and closure on the school of 'aqidah that is ascribed to Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal (RA) which is refered to as the Ahl al-Athar or the Atharis. What are the core differences between this school and the other two viz. the Asha'irah and the Maturidis? Is the Athari school that is claimed to be followed different to that followed by Imam ibn Hanbal and other early Hanbali 'ulama? A clear explanation on this issue is required as many are being confused and led astray by bringing up the Athari 'aqidah.

"There is no better man than Ali, and no sword better than Dhul-Faqaar"

Q: I need to know the status of this oft-quoted hadeeth: " There is no better man than `Ali, and no sword better than Dhul-Faqar"

“An angel called Radwan announced from the Heavens in (the Battle of) Badr ‘No sword other than Dhu Al-Faqar and no man better than `Ali.’”

Please provide references from traditional scholars in order to convince lay people.