1928 Rapier
1928) A SUPERB MUNICH TOWN GUARD RAPIER, CIRCA 1590 BY WOLFGANG STANTLER: An iconic and highly sought-after sword greatly valued by collectors and museums at a bargain price!
Introduction: This swept-hilt rapier is part of a well-known group associated with the Munich Town Guard (Bavarian Corps). It was used in service from 1585 to as late as 1640. This typology of rapier is easily identifiable by its broad, thick, and quickly tapering blade and stout hilt.
Description: This example, under the Norman classification system, is classified as a hilt #57 and the pommel a #32. The grip is bound with plaited silver wire and ‘Turk’s heads’ (possibly original); the hilt is constructed of flattened-rounded bars, with downward-curved quillons with flattened circular tips, knuckle-guard, outer ring-guard joined at the base to the lower ring-guard, trifurcated inner-guard on the reverse. With a strong diamond-section tapering blade and a rectangular ricasso stamped with the mark of Wolfgang Stantler of Munich (active 1580–1617), the letters ST arranged vertically inside a crown, it retains what appears to be its original finish on the hilt. c
Condition: Very good, some wear on the blacking on the hilt.
Discussion: This military sword screams “slash and trust”! The earliest illustration of this sword type is in a 1588 portrait of John Shirley, currently housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art (#51.194.2). Also illustrated in a portrait of Luccio Foppa by Giovanni Figino in 1585.
Comparables:
-The Bavarian Army Museum, Ingoldstadt, Germany.
– The Royal Armouries Leeds.
– Le Musée royal de l’Armée et d’Histoire .
– The Wallace Collection.
Lengths: Total length 44.5 inches, blade 36 inches.
Conclusion: This is an iconic sword that is well known in the collectors’ market. The wide, tapering blade is an absolute work of art. Almost every major collector and museum has an example. This sword is in very good condition and warrants no apologies. It would make a great addition to any collection or any museum. If it were in any better condition, it would be mint and selling for more than twice the asking price! Dollar-for-dollar, this is a great buy. ACT NOW, it will sell because it’s an iconic sword, highly sought after, and priced below market value!!!*
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