Interesting Unusual Rapier for comments

Atlantia · 28th November 2011, 08:32 PM

So, I'm going to throw some other suggestions out there.
I personally feel that there are a few options for this sword. Clearly the hilt is not a copy of any particular style, especially when married with a military blade. This is not a typical copy or 19thC reproduction.

Heavy military blade, good balance, peened tang, solid construction, etc. Quite fit for purpose.
I believe that it was professionally made in this configuration, not cobbled together at some later date.

Was it (and possibly others like Dmitry/Valjhuns) made by a sword supplier trying to capitalise on the 'Historismus' movement by producing a 'blending' of the modern and archaic in a still usable weapon?
Well clearly it IS a blending of styles and clearly it IS a usable weapon, so that would fit.
Clearly the makers were not attempting a historical copy, or flashy reproduction.
But regardless, was it made simply for 'show'?
Possibly, but why not make it more 'flashy' or historically accurate?
Why bother making it so 'usable'?
Was it made for a fraternal organisation or other archaic group as Jim suggests?
Seems like a good bet!
Was it a private commission for purpose unknown?
Possibly.

28th November 2011, 08:32 PM	#28
Atlantia Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: The Sharp end Posts: 2,928	So, I'm going to throw some other suggestions out there. I personally feel that there are a few options for this sword. Clearly the hilt is not a copy of any particular style, especially when married with a military blade. This is not a typical copy or 19thC reproduction. Heavy military blade, good balance, peened tang, solid construction, etc. Quite fit for purpose. I believe that it was professionally made in this configuration, not cobbled together at some later date. Was it (and possibly others like Dmitry/Valjhuns) made by a sword supplier trying to capitalise on the 'Historismus' movement by producing a 'blending' of the modern and archaic in a still usable weapon? Well clearly it IS a blending of styles and clearly it IS a usable weapon, so that would fit. Clearly the makers were not attempting a historical copy, or flashy reproduction. But regardless, was it made simply for 'show'? Possibly, but why not make it more 'flashy' or historically accurate? Why bother making it so 'usable'? Was it made for a fraternal organisation or other archaic group as Jim suggests? Seems like a good bet! Was it a private commission for purpose unknown? Possibly.