Rapier or smallsword PIERCED blade for comment

Atlantia · 4th February 2013, 08:30 PM

I've got a childs smallsword (so the pierced section is proportionally shorter) from the mid 18th with a pierced blade of similar type. Here is that section.

Valjhun · 4th February 2013, 11:45 PM

Thank you Gene. The blade is 59,5 cm long. Tomorrow I will dissasemble it and see what is under that silly hilt.

Atlantia · 5th February 2013, 10:03 AM

Before you disassemble it, can we see the whole thing?
Oh, and I sent you a PM that might be of help to your research.

fernando · 5th February 2013, 01:10 PM

This one figures in page 28 of R.D.C. Evans work "THE PLUG BAYONET".
Mounted in a hilt with a cross guard with 'Helmet-Head' finials (a XVII century fashion) we can see a perforated blade measuring 356 m/m, (quote Evans) possibly a re-used section of a rapier blade.
Pity he doesn't attribute a date to the blade ... for the sake of this discussion, i mean

.

M ELEY · 6th February 2013, 01:26 AM

Yes, please show the hilt! It seems that a lit of these rapier/smallsword blades were re-used to make daggers, naval dirks, etc. Not trying to jump the gun until I see the hilt, but the simple cross-bar might indicate a naval piece refitted for battle. I have a stiletto bladed dirk with a 16" blade. Just food for thought before you dis-assemble it.

M ELEY · 6th February 2013, 01:28 AM

Oops, I see now where you listed the length of approx 23". Perhaps too long for a dirk, but would still like to see the hilt.

Valjhun · 6th February 2013, 11:10 AM

OK, here is it. Just a piece of wood rivetted. Awkward and modern.

Too short for a sword too long for a dagger.

Thank you for your replies. Fernando wonderfull, I never saw a plug bayonet with such a blade wich is very similar to mine.

4th February 2013, 08:30 PM	#1
Atlantia Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: The Sharp end Posts: 2,928	I've got a childs smallsword (so the pierced section is proportionally shorter) from the mid 18th with a pierced blade of similar type. Here is that section. Attached Images

5th February 2013, 01:10 PM	#4
fernando (deceased) Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Portugal Posts: 9,694	Not dated but ... This one figures in page 28 of R.D.C. Evans work "THE PLUG BAYONET". Mounted in a hilt with a cross guard with 'Helmet-Head' finials (a XVII century fashion) we can see a perforated blade measuring 356 m/m, (quote Evans) possibly a re-used section of a rapier blade. Pity he doesn't attribute a date to the blade ... for the sake of this discussion, i mean . Attached Images

6th February 2013, 11:10 AM	#7
Valjhun Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 692	OK, here is it. Just a piece of wood rivetted. Awkward and modern. Too short for a sword too long for a dagger. Thank you for your replies. Fernando wonderfull, I never saw a plug bayonet with such a blade wich is very similar to mine. Attached Images

4th February 2013, 11:45 PM	#2
Valjhun Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 692	Thank you Gene. The blade is 59,5 cm long. Tomorrow I will dissasemble it and see what is under that silly hilt.

5th February 2013, 10:03 AM	#3
Atlantia Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: The Sharp end Posts: 2,928	Before you disassemble it, can we see the whole thing? Oh, and I sent you a PM that might be of help to your research.

6th February 2013, 01:26 AM	#5
M ELEY Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: NC, U.S.A. Posts: 2,141	Yes, please show the hilt! It seems that a lit of these rapier/smallsword blades were re-used to make daggers, naval dirks, etc. Not trying to jump the gun until I see the hilt, but the simple cross-bar might indicate a naval piece refitted for battle. I have a stiletto bladed dirk with a 16" blade. Just food for thought before you dis-assemble it.

6th February 2013, 01:28 AM	#6
M ELEY Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: NC, U.S.A. Posts: 2,141	Oops, I see now where you listed the length of approx 23". Perhaps too long for a dirk, but would still like to see the hilt.