Rapier Germany, End Of The 16th - Beginning Of The 17th Century

RAPIÈRE
Germany, late 16th - early 17th century
Steel and iron
Length: 124 cm 
Blade length: 104 cm 

Also called Espada Ropera, rapiers are stabbing weapons. 
This one features a double-edged rhomboid steel blade, with a median gutter at the openwork heel and three punched marks on both sides. The filigree fuse is topped with an iron pommel featuring two oval medallions depicting a horseman on one side and a man with a trumpet on the other. Twisted filigree spindle. The honeycombed hilt, centered on a medallion with two dogs facing each other, is fitted with openwork quillons ending in two zoomorphic heads. 

Full length. Good condition.

Illustration engraving: Grand traité de l'art de l'escrime, Ridolfo Capoferro da Caglientre, 1609-1610 © Musée de l'Armée, Hôtel des Invalides.

Text and photos © FCP CORIDON

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