Rapier or Riding Sword?

Cathey · 17th January 2016, 01:08 AM

Hi Guys

I was looking at an early riding sword in my collection the other day, which caused me to re-examine this sword. Most of my early swords are displayed rather high up on the wall so I tend to neglect them for a while.

This sword dates around Circa 1590-1610 (17th Century)
Nationality: I think it's German?
Over Length: 43 1/8” 109.6 cm
Blade length: 34 ½” 87.6 cm
Blade widest point: 1 ½” 3.6 cm
Hilt widest point: 6 ¾” 17 cm
Inside grip length: 3 3/8” 8.4 cm
Marks, etc: Unusual Queen’s heads and “.:IANANNI:

Description
Rapier or Riding Sword, German? 17th Century Thirty Years War Period, broad double edged blade 34 ½ inches long, deeply struck on both sides with three Queen’s heads and “.:IANANNI:.” In the short fullers. Two shell guards flattened pas d’ane rings, bars quillon and Knucklebow, Swollen pommel, woven steel wire bound grip.

General Remarks
I have not been able to find another example of a sword with these very distinct Queens Heads in any of my research. I have a number of books on sword marks but these stamps are so distinctive. They might be clean shaven kings, but they look pretty effeminate to me.

This sword was purchased from Wallis and Wallis early in our collecting and listed as a rapier. Recently when I compared it to the riding sword I own given its blade width I now consider it may also more accurately fit the riding sword description.

References:
BLAIR, C. European & American Arms. Plate 123-126
OAKESHOTT, E. European Weapons and Armour. Pp 160 “Shell Guards”, & 163. Plate 12©.
WAGNER, EVARD, Cut and Thrust Weapons Pp 183, plate 3.
WILKINSON, F. Edged Weapons. Pp 42-43 &47.

Cheers Cathey and Rex

17th January 2016, 01:08 AM	#1
Cathey Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: adelaide south australia Posts: 276	Rapier or Riding Sword? Hi Guys I was looking at an early riding sword in my collection the other day, which caused me to re-examine this sword. Most of my early swords are displayed rather high up on the wall so I tend to neglect them for a while. This sword dates around Circa 1590-1610 (17th Century) Nationality: I think it's German? Over Length: 43 1/8” 109.6 cm Blade length: 34 ½” 87.6 cm Blade widest point: 1 ½” 3.6 cm Hilt widest point: 6 ¾” 17 cm Inside grip length: 3 3/8” 8.4 cm Marks, etc: Unusual Queen’s heads and “.:IANANNI: Description Rapier or Riding Sword, German? 17th Century Thirty Years War Period, broad double edged blade 34 ½ inches long, deeply struck on both sides with three Queen’s heads and “.:IANANNI:.” In the short fullers. Two shell guards flattened pas d’ane rings, bars quillon and Knucklebow, Swollen pommel, woven steel wire bound grip. General Remarks I have not been able to find another example of a sword with these very distinct Queens Heads in any of my research. I have a number of books on sword marks but these stamps are so distinctive. They might be clean shaven kings, but they look pretty effeminate to me. This sword was purchased from Wallis and Wallis early in our collecting and listed as a rapier. Recently when I compared it to the riding sword I own given its blade width I now consider it may also more accurately fit the riding sword description. References: BLAIR, C. European & American Arms. Plate 123-126 OAKESHOTT, E. European Weapons and Armour. Pp 160 “Shell Guards”, & 163. Plate 12©. WAGNER, EVARD, Cut and Thrust Weapons Pp 183, plate 3. WILKINSON, F. Edged Weapons. Pp 42-43 &47. Cheers Cathey and Rex Attached Images