Seeking Help with Blade Marks

Cathey · 25th April 2016, 01:39 AM

Hi Guys, just revised the details on this sword, still seeking assistance with blade markings.

Transitional Rapier with marked blade

I recently picked up this brass hilted transitional Rapier/Small Sword circa 1680-1720 I think.
Overall Length: 38” 96.3 cm
Blade length: 31” 78.6 cm
Blade widest point: 1 ¼” 3.2 cm
Hilt widest point: 5” 12.7 cm
Inside grip length: 4 ¼” 10.5 cm
Marks, etc.: engraved XX L S X M I N I XX

The blade does have letters in the fuller and the typical anchor mark but I need assistance to identify them and hopefully the maker. From what I can make out under a magnifying glass it appears to be XX L S X MINI XX followed by the anchor mark. According to AYLWARD, J.D. THE SMALL SWORD IN ENGLAND its History, it’s Forms, its Makers, and is Masters pp 64, 74-75 brass hilted small swords often had earlier rapier blades cut down. Looking at the width of the broad sword blade I think this is such an example. Any assistance identifying the signature in the fuller would be gratefully received.

Cheers Cathey and Rex

25th April 2016, 01:39 AM	#4
Cathey Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: adelaide south australia Posts: 284	Revised details Hi Guys, just revised the details on this sword, still seeking assistance with blade markings. Transitional Rapier with marked blade I recently picked up this brass hilted transitional Rapier/Small Sword circa 1680-1720 I think. Overall Length: 38” 96.3 cm Blade length: 31” 78.6 cm Blade widest point: 1 ¼” 3.2 cm Hilt widest point: 5” 12.7 cm Inside grip length: 4 ¼” 10.5 cm Marks, etc.: engraved XX L S X M I N I XX The blade does have letters in the fuller and the typical anchor mark but I need assistance to identify them and hopefully the maker. From what I can make out under a magnifying glass it appears to be XX L S X MINI XX followed by the anchor mark. According to AYLWARD, J.D. THE SMALL SWORD IN ENGLAND its History, it’s Forms, its Makers, and is Masters pp 64, 74-75 brass hilted small swords often had earlier rapier blades cut down. Looking at the width of the broad sword blade I think this is such an example. Any assistance identifying the signature in the fuller would be gratefully received. Cheers Cathey and Rex