A Late 16 th -Early 17 th century rapier

[Cerjak]

A Late 16 th to Early 17 th century rapier
O.L. 121 cm ; blade L. 107 cm .
Pommel: type 29 ,Hilt type 57 ,inner hilt type 28 ? with these components the sword can be dated from 1585-1640.
blade : one mark inlaid in latten on one side
Any comment on it would be welcome.
Best
Cerjak

[Philip]

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.

[Cerjak]

Originally Posted by Philip

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.

Dear Philip

Thank you for your comment.
Your suggestion that it could be of a working life replacement sounds correct to me and could explain the degradation to the forte section.
Also do you have any idea about the mark on the blade ?
Best
Cerjak

[cornelistromp]

Jean Luc , what is the distance of the recess between the loop crosses and what is the widest part of the ricasso, in MM?

best,

[Cerjak]

Jasper
"the distance of the recess between the loop "
Could you show me on the pictures the measure you need ?
best

Jean-Luc

[cornelistromp]

Originally Posted by Cerjak

Jasper
"the distance of the recess between the loop "
Could you show me on the pictures the measure you need ?
best

Jean-Luc

1A-2A=
B1-B2=

[Cerjak]

Both 25 mm

[cornelistromp]

Originally Posted by Cerjak

Both 25 mm

the ricasso fits precisely into the recess, so what is the purpose to remove metal of the ricasso.

I do not expect it to be a secondary/replacement blade.

best,
Jasper