This hilt has lost either longer ends on the pas d'ans that would've come out (in?) to meet the blade right behind that little shoulder, or, which is what I had been thinking, there was a plate. Justin can probably tell us which. The sudden square plunge grinds with which the bevels end are not really unusual for late medieval European blades. Think of the daggers (eared, rondel, ballock, Basel, etc.) with a half-length false edge; it often, even usually ends in such a plunge, which is also usually seen at the base of the true edge. Think of how the grooves in cinquedeas often end in sharp square ends. These are examples of styles where it was usual. On rapiers it is more unusual, but certainly not nonexistant. What actually strikes me as odd and perhaps meaningful about the ricassoe is how long it is beyond the guard; usually they have no ricassoe outside the pas d'ans or a very short microricassoe under 1/2". This humped rebated edge area seems to be meant to somewhat make up for the slightness of the blade in making parries. What about this pommel shape? Any thoughts?
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