Ethnographic Arms & Armour - View Single Post - A Late 16 th -Early 17 th century rapier

Philip · 27th November 2016, 05:26 AM

Looks like an example of Oakeshott's class of "three quarter" hilt. The gently swelling, teardrop-shaped termini of the rear quillon and knucklebow are reminiscent of similar features on some late 16th cent. examples of Styrian and south German broadsword hilts. Likewise for the barrel-shaped pommel.

Interesting that corrosion has revealed the linear lamellar structure in parts of the guard, and at the forte of the blade. Suggests that these components may have been from the same period and locale. But whether they in fact were "born together" can be debated. Mainly because there is notable degradation to the forte section of the blade, some from advanced corrosion but look like deliberate, rough removal of metal in the area of the lower ring guard -- perhaps a hurried way of making a blade fit within the confines of a replacement hilt? Considering the evidence of heavy use on the hilt, and the fact that rapier blades being slender and long were subject to breakage in hard service, the idea of a working-life repair or replacement is not unreasonable.

At any rate, this is an interesting sword for study. As a real fan of craftsmanship and manufacturing methods, I much enjoy seeing pieces which have such details revealed by rust or old damage, they can sometimes be more instructive than examples in pristine condition.

27th November 2016, 05:26 AM	#2
Philip Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: California Posts: 1,036	Looks like an example of Oakeshott's class of "three quarter" hilt. The gently swelling, teardrop-shaped termini of the rear quillon and knucklebow are reminiscent of similar features on some late 16th cent. examples of Styrian and south German broadsword hilts. Likewise for the barrel-shaped pommel. Interesting that corrosion has revealed the linear lamellar structure in parts of the guard, and at the forte of the blade. Suggests that these components may have been from the same period and locale. But whether they in fact were "born together" can be debated. Mainly because there is notable degradation to the forte section of the blade, some from advanced corrosion but look like deliberate, rough removal of metal in the area of the lower ring guard -- perhaps a hurried way of making a blade fit within the confines of a replacement hilt? Considering the evidence of heavy use on the hilt, and the fact that rapier blades being slender and long were subject to breakage in hard service, the idea of a working-life repair or replacement is not unreasonable. At any rate, this is an interesting sword for study. As a real fan of craftsmanship and manufacturing methods, I much enjoy seeing pieces which have such details revealed by rust or old damage, they can sometimes be more instructive than examples in pristine condition.