German Flat-hilted Rapier, 16th-17th Centuries, With Original Scabbard

16th – 17th Century German Dish Hilt Rapier w Original Scabbard

This beautiful and rarely seen rapier used in the 30 year war. The rapier likely originated from the Holy Roman Empire and is finely crafted and having its original scabbard. The scabbard bears the Württemberg coat of arms and several monograms. The scabbard also has the date 1570 with one side having with Letter “M C” above the date.

The Thirty years war was not kind on the region of Württemberg and its population was devastated by the war. This sword would have likely been worn by a noble of high rank .Certainly the beautiful craftsmanship was done by a master and the sword while highly intricate is a battle used blade having a slight cant and wear and delamination’s on the blade. The inscribed “SOLIDEO GLORIA” and oval cartouche with portrait of the Marshal of Pappenheim, also called “Schrammhans”. He was a field marshal of the Holy Roman Empire in the Thirty Years’ War. A supporter of the Catholic League, he was mortally wounded during the Battle of Lützen fighting the Protestant forces under Swedish king Gustavus. This strengthens the idea that this rapier belonged to a high ranking military commander likely close to the Marshall of Pappenheim and was used and present in many battles.

The hilt is a dish hilt with beautiful engraving and perforations, several areas of damage can also be found. The knuckle guard flows into the forked quillons and the handle is fitted with a spiral wire wrapping and engraved pommel

The rapier is very well balanced and robust, and a true gem rarely seend.

https://antiquesarmoury.com/product/16th-17th-century-german-dish-hilt-rapier-w-original-scabbard/

Specifications:

Overall Length 93 CM

Blade 78 CM