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				 dueling swords 
 
			
			I acquired an interesting variation on this theme some years ago (picture forthcoming) and was led to believe it was a Dutch ambidextrous dueling sword.There is a series of Xs on each side of the blade at the forte.
 It was dated, by the vendor, to the end of the 1600s.
 It was considered a transitional rapier - which seems questionable.
 I have subsequently seen one more with a completely different blade (see final pic) and now yet another two.
 I think the hilt is the defining identity and look for confirmation as to its origin.
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