Rare Short Sword Signed Antonio Picinio - 17th Century, Circa 1650

Rare short sword signed ANTONIO PICHINIO - 17th century, Circa 1650 Short sword sometimes called "excuse" or "bedside sword". This type of short sword was generally worn in the 17th century by the nobility, in town or in a social setting as a substitute for the bulky rapier. Straight double-edged blade with two deep fullers on the first quarter. In the fullers, markings "ANTONIO PICHINIO" The Pichinio family (sometimes written Pichinino, Picinino, picinio) was originally from Milan and was a family of swordsmiths very renowned for the quality of their blades. The best known is probably Antonio Pichinio (1509-1585). However, according to the typology of this blade, rather mid-17th than 16th century, it more probably comes from the workshops of Antonio Pichinio son, active around the middle of the 17th. (see wallace collection catalogs, Europeans arms and armor. The wallace collection preserves a certain number of rapiers whose blades are signed by the Picinio family). Chiseled steel pommel and guard. Fluted horn knuckle (I doubt that the knuckle is original, I think more of a replacement by Viollet le Duc). The guard has a slight play. Oxidation of the steels. The blade has numerous scratches and teeth on the edges. Total length 79cm Blade length 65.5cm Weight 340gr