My new Rapier with question

[Merenti]

Hey Guys,

here are my new beatuiful Rapier. The bladesmith is Tomas Aiala, but i can not found this marker ( T with crown). I hope u can tell what the secret is.

[mariusgmioc]

Toledo :)

[Radboud]

What a beautiful rapier, congratulations.

[fernando]

Excelent rapier, Merenti. If the mark shown has a little S between the crown and the T, this would be the personal mark of Thomas de Ayala. This would mean that you have the real thing, which is rather unusual; Ayala was one of names more used by other smiths to give their blades a grade of quality.
If instead the mark is a T with a little o over it, that would be one of marks of the city of Toledo, often used many of its smiths.


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[Merenti]

Hey Guys, Thank u for your opinion and thanks @Fernando!! I think this is the reason for the t.

Here are a pic from the other side, they are the same mark

[midelburgo]

Your rapier is esthetically pleasant.
If you want to be sure its blade is by Tomas Ayala, probably the best way is to make comparisons with well established examples. I believe Madrid Royal armories and the Wallace Collection have some.

[AHorsa]

What a beauty! I love the consistent decorative elements. Congrats and thanks for showing!

[fernando]

... @Fernando!! I think this is the reason for the t.
Here are a pic from the other side, they are the same mark
Merenti, i am sorry i don't get you. Which T are you referring to; the one of Ayala or one of Toledo.
Why don't you give a little cleaning to the mark, so tat we may better discern the details. Now that you showed the other side i seem to see different symbols :confused:.

[Merenti]

hey Fernando, when the rapier is at home and it feels good I take photos. :). Maybe the 1st side is Toledo and the 2nd side Aiala ?

[mariusgmioc]

Merenti, i am sorry i don't get you. Which T are you referring to; the one of Ayala or one of Toledo.
Why don't you give a little cleaning to the mark, so tat we may better discern the details. Now that you showed the other side i seem to see different symbols :confused:.

Exactly what I was thinking!

But BE VERY CAREFUL HOW YOU CLEAN THE MARK!

I suggest to drop one drop of WD40 on the mark and let it soak for a few hours (renew the process if the WD40 evaporates).

Then wipe the mark with cotton buds and WD40.

Anything else might be too aggressive and damage the mark.

PS: Fernando, I see the same T with "?" on top, the same like on the other side. :confused:

PPS: Either way, I believe you have the real thing!

[fernando]

... Fernando, I see the same T with "?" on top, the same like on the other side. :confused: ...!
Says the young man; but my eyes are not the same any more, Marius :(.