Rapier ca.1610

Dmitry · 10th May 2012, 04:31 PM

This is a new addition to my small collection. Stylistically I would date the hilt to the last decade of 1500s-first quarter of 1600s.
The most unusual aspect of the hilt is the rear guard, which is completely filled with pierced steel plates between the branches of the rear guard.
Norman provides three types of rear guards with plates inserted into the grooves cut into the branches of the rear guard, types 13,32,33, but no example of the completely filled rear guard, which makes the hilt of this rapier very uncommon.
Wallace collection has 2 examples of this type, one being a Saxon rapier with two pierced plates inserted in the rear guard [the last photo], which is dated by the museum ca.1590-1600.
If anyone has examples of a similar arrangement, please post the photos.

M ELEY · 16th May 2012, 08:44 PM

Now THAT is a keeper! Beautiful sword, Dmitri. Maybe some day I'll get one myself for the 'pirate' collection-

P.S. What are the markings on the blade?

Dmitry · 16th May 2012, 10:05 PM

Two more hilts of this uncommon form, courtesy of Peter Finer. I'm still looking for another example of the completely filled rear guard.

Dmitry · 17th May 2012, 05:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by M ELEY

Now THAT is a keeper! Beautiful sword, Dmitri. Maybe some day I'll get one myself for the 'pirate' collection-

P.S. What are the markings on the blade?

Thanks!
I'll touch upon the markings on the blade in a little bit. I have an idea what they may mean, just have to finesse it.

fernando · 17th May 2012, 01:22 PM

What an excelent sword. Congratulations for such fine acquisition.
I too am curious to know what the markings on the blade.

10th May 2012, 04:31 PM	#1
Dmitry Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 607	Rapier ca.1610 This is a new addition to my small collection. Stylistically I would date the hilt to the last decade of 1500s-first quarter of 1600s. The most unusual aspect of the hilt is the rear guard, which is completely filled with pierced steel plates between the branches of the rear guard. Norman provides three types of rear guards with plates inserted into the grooves cut into the branches of the rear guard, types 13,32,33, but no example of the completely filled rear guard, which makes the hilt of this rapier very uncommon. Wallace collection has 2 examples of this type, one being a Saxon rapier with two pierced plates inserted in the rear guard [the last photo], which is dated by the museum ca.1590-1600. If anyone has examples of a similar arrangement, please post the photos. Attached Images

16th May 2012, 10:05 PM	#3
Dmitry Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 607	Two more hilts of this uncommon form, courtesy of Peter Finer. I'm still looking for another example of the completely filled rear guard. Attached Images

16th May 2012, 08:44 PM	#2
M ELEY Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: NC, U.S.A. Posts: 2,066	Now THAT is a keeper! Beautiful sword, Dmitri. Maybe some day I'll get one myself for the 'pirate' collection- P.S. What are the markings on the blade?

17th May 2012, 01:22 PM	#5
fernando Lead Moderator European Armoury Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Portugal Posts: 9,638	What an excelent sword. Congratulations for such fine acquisition. I too am curious to know what the markings on the blade.