Spanish Taza Rapier , Signed Antonio Gutierrez In Toledo

This rapier is Spanish. It can be dated to the 17th century. The so-called "Taza" mount is typical.
The blade is a little unusual in its absence of a central fuller, but this is not a unique case since a similar example is described in the work of Vicente Toledo Momparler (available online) p.141 with a comparable signature, and also p.143 of the same book.
The mount is interesting for its decoration where we find four representations of kings, which symbolize the reunion of the kingdoms of Castile, Leon, Navarre and Aragon.
BLADE : after a short ricasso which protrudes from the bowl of the guard, it takes on a section which appears diamond-shaped but which is in fact a "gull wing" which is a profile where the flat faces are replaced by hollow sides. This shape, more difficult to forge, requires a higher level of mastery from the craftsman. The blade is particularly sharp.
On the first third, we find, with the typically Spanish D and E:
External face: XXX DE   .A.N.T.O.N.I.O.G.V.T.I.E.R.R.E.Z.   DE XXX Internal face: XXX DE   .E.N.T.O.L.E.D.O.   DE X XX For some authors, the mixed letters D and E would be purely decorative, for others, they are the abbreviation of "Dux Electio" "Guide of choice" in the sense that the blade which is straight, must guide choices in the sense of righteousness and honor.
Antonio Gutierrez was a Toledan sword maker of the 17th century, cited in number 12 of the "Nomina de Palomares" which lists the main swordsmiths of this city in the 16th and 17th centuries.
Blade length = 97.8 cm, width at the ricasso = 2.8 cm, thickness at the ricasso = 7.3 mm, balance point at 17 cm from the edge of the cup, which seems to correspond rather to a cavalry sword (cavalry swords always have a balance shifted towards the point)
At the level of the part of the ricasso hidden under the "guarda polvo", we can distinguish through the holes of the taza an A-shaped punchmark, which is listed by Palomares in the "nomina" as being that of Antonio Gutierrez. This mark is difficult to see, and it is not possible for me to photograph it.
GUARD : The bowl = It is made of steel, cut and chiseled. We find in medallions four king's heads, which symbolize the 4 kingdoms that formed Spain (Castile-Leon-Aragon-Navarre). One of the kings is represented as a Roman emperor crowned with laurel, a possible allusion to the supremacy of Castile, or to the glorious Emperor Charles V. The rim of the cup is rolled outwards to form a "rompe-puntas" or "point breaker". Inside the cup, we find the cut and engraved steel plate called "guarda polvo". This part is often absent on these rapiers and corresponds to a quality assembly.
The quillons are wide, straight, and end in a sort of flower. They are chiseled with plant motifs.
The central shield of the cross guard is decorated with two profiles of kings, which are completed by the two depicted on the pommel. The knuckle bow joins the pommel to which it is attached by a hook in the shape of an animal's head.
POMMEL : it has the shape of a flattened bulb in the plane of the blade, pierced with holes which surround on each face a medallion representing a king's head in profile. It is topped with a small fluted button on which the tang of the blade is riveted.
GRIP : It is twisted and covered with a twisted iron filigree. The braided crown ferrules called "Turk's heads" are present and in good condition.
The weapon is in good condition, without any part loose, and the decoration of the mount is pleasant.
Ref AXY-23-02
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