Johannes Hoppe Rapier and Dagger

Jim McDougall · 15th March 2023, 07:38 PM

This excellent rapier and dagger ensuite in my view are by the elder Johannes Hoppe (Happe); 1570-1640 and from Solingen. His mark was the so called 'wild man' as termed, and which was later used in degree by his son Johann who was b.1600.
In 1629 the younger Hoppe moved to Greenwich England, and did not go to Hounslow until 1634.

C. Trenchard, in "German Swordsmiths in England" ('Antique Collector' Sept.1934, Vol.V, pp.245-248) states that it is unlikely of course that the elder Hoppe would have gone to England and is known to have died in Solingen in 1640.

While several blades signed by IOHANNES HOPPE are known, those from England are quite rare, with one IOANNES HOPPIE FECIT LONDON ; another form JOANNES HOPPIE ME FECIT HOUNSLOW.
Important is the one JOHANNES HOPPIE 1634 GRENEWICH IN ANGLIA which is on a 'mortuary sword'.

That seems to be the only cases on HOPPIE in England with only the Greenwich having date.

These kinds of 'sets' of rapier/dagger are more likely it seems to be European, aligning with the probability of this being the work of Johannes Hoppe the elder in Solingen.

it is often hard tracking these 'dynasties' of sword makers as they often used the same Christian names from father to son.

15th March 2023, 07:38 PM	#7
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,193	This excellent rapier and dagger ensuite in my view are by the elder Johannes Hoppe (Happe); 1570-1640 and from Solingen. His mark was the so called 'wild man' as termed, and which was later used in degree by his son Johann who was b.1600. In 1629 the younger Hoppe moved to Greenwich England, and did not go to Hounslow until 1634. C. Trenchard, in "German Swordsmiths in England" ('Antique Collector' Sept.1934, Vol.V, pp.245-248) states that it is unlikely of course that the elder Hoppe would have gone to England and is known to have died in Solingen in 1640. While several blades signed by IOHANNES HOPPE are known, those from England are quite rare, with one IOANNES HOPPIE FECIT LONDON ; another form JOANNES HOPPIE ME FECIT HOUNSLOW. Important is the one JOHANNES HOPPIE 1634 GRENEWICH IN ANGLIA which is on a 'mortuary sword'. That seems to be the only cases on HOPPIE in England with only the Greenwich having date. These kinds of 'sets' of rapier/dagger are more likely it seems to be European, aligning with the probability of this being the work of Johannes Hoppe the elder in Solingen. it is often hard tracking these 'dynasties' of sword makers as they often used the same Christian names from father to son.