Rapier for coments

[cornelistromp]

Originally Posted by Matchlock

There are hundreds of detached original pommels in various conditions on the market every year, and almost all of them are purchased by dealers and forgers. Can you image the reason?

Best,
Michael

Hi Michael,

of course I know and see a lot of replaced pommels, especially on medieval swords. recently I noticed a cast one at a London auction house which gave
some discussion just before the sale.

I must admit it is very amusing to see that you changed your mind on this pommel from an inapt English ground find to "maybe" belonging to this piece

Kind regards from Holland

[Matchlock]

Hi Cornelis,

Please remember we all had to rely on photos, and almost anything is possible ...

Though I usually have a well based opinion at the point of posting, I try not to be too dogmatic.

Good night and be well,
Michael

[fernando]

New pictures.
This time in my back veranda, with daylight, before the sun hits the place.

.

[Matchlock]

Thank you, 'Nando,

Now it's clear even to me that the pitting of the pommel and blade is homogenuous.

Please bury my theories at Wounded Knee ...

Best,
Michl

[werecow]

I thought I'd add two similar ones I ran into recently. This first one is listed on a German site as "Rapier, deutsch um 1600". The inscription is hard to read but according to the seller it's "MERTEN STOS ME FECIT", which sounds German. The quillons are slightly different, maybe a slightly wider blade, different grip wire, wider pommel. Otherwise identical.

[werecow]

This second one is listed as "ENGLISH DUELING RAPIER C.1625". No thrust plate on this one, but the pommel is more similar. Marked "THOMAS D AIELES".

[werecow]

I spotted another interesting speciment today that has Fleurs de Lys markings on the guard but is otherwise very similar to the example in the OP. Interesting, given that this group is typically associated with Germany, the Netherlands or sometimes the UK.