SEBASTIAN HERNANDEZ
 

Has anyone any information on this blade-maker:
SEBASTIAN HERNANI

Sebastian Hernandez ...
#89.... #90 ...


.

I was looking at Sebastian Hernandes on the web...As noted by Fernando. Spanish 1580 and around that time period. SEE https://www.reddit.com/r/ArtefactPor...e&one_tap=true

Peter Hudson.

Thanks
 

Thank-you Peter. Lots of info attached to that website, well-done as always. Lunch?

Yes we should hit Shotley soon...I will call you tomorrow ya...Regards Peter.

Rapier
 

Thanks for the guidance folks.
It was actually Sebastian Hernandez on the blade; the final letters were obscured.
Fernando, your post of the names and symbols of Toledo blade-smiths, in particular the symbols, led me to take a close look at the forte, and sure enough, there was Hernandez the elder's sign.
I've always wanted a Toledo blade, but did not actually envisage finding one. The fact that it is on a Cavalier's rapier (another want on my list), and a luxurious one at that, with Charles and Henrietta's masks on the hilt, makes me very happy.

This is breathtaking Keith!!! A cavaliers rapier with a TRUE Toledo blade!!
I have honestly never seen a rapier blade that is unequivocably TOLEDO, and with this very famous maker. While Solingen indeed copied his name on their blades early 17th c......this may well be from Toledo by him c.1590s.
As far as I have known, Solingen may have used his name, but never his punzone.
This undoubtedly belonged to a very well heeled cavalier.

punzone
 

Yes Jim, that was what confirmed it for me and persuaded me to pay so much money. The name... yes; but along with that distinctive stamp: I was convinced.
I'm living on tuna sandwiches for the rest of the year.

Dear Keith, for a sword like that one, i wouldn't mind going on a tuna sandwich diet for a rather long while; actually an excelent option to lose some of my overweight.
Pity that your both pictures (intended) to show Hernandez name and punzon didn't come out so clear. Maybe you have a chance to repeat them.
But speaking of inequivocal Toledan blades, and as also a reminder to Jim ;), allow me show you my not so gorgeous example, signed and marked by Gonzalo Simon, position #35 in Palomares nomina.


-

Spaniards or Italians?
 

Hello Fernando.
Of all the swept-hilt rapiers, that one is my favourite - by a long way. I've looked at your avatar many times and admired the sword. Somehow, it speaks to me.
I searched a long time to acquire a similar one and finally came across this.
I have not been able to find out who made it or where it came from, but I suspect it looks like a 'City Guard' shield - of which there are a multitude; also, I am unfamiliar with the script.
I abandoned the search and simply enjoyed the sword.
With regard to the Hernandez senior rapier: I will attempt to take more detailed photos when it arrives.
Regards, Keith.
ps
Incidentally, observe these traces of a gold coloured metal in the ricasso; are they just part of the mix or do they have some significance; I was never certain. KF

It would take someone with more luggage to accurately judge on that inscription but, within my limitations, i dare say it is just gibberish. Also the symbol on the left, a very early one, was certainly hijacked.
As (i think) i recall reading, in this case in Toledo, one of the crafts was blade guilding. This being a luxury asset, not always customers requested it. Also this being a very thin gold layer, tends to vanish within time.

THREAD TITLE
 

Say Keith, do want me to correct the title of your 'HERNANI' topic to HERNANDEZ ?

Hernandez
 

Yes, I think that would be appropriate, thank-you.

Now that’s a proper sword :cool:

swept or pierced?
 

Which one?

Blade markings
 

I have done my best but I no longer have my pro gear.
It would appear I saw what I wanted to see and the punzone is not what I imagined.
I don't know what it is... does anyone.
So, without the second identifier we cannot be certain this is in fact a Sebastian Hernandes blade - even though it says so on both sides.
Nonetheless, it is a spectacular sword.
ps
these seem to be very peculiar Es

This might be of no use but, considerations on the Hernandez and their punzones are woven HERE.