1576) A) GERMAN RAPIER CIRCA 1550:Classified as a Norman type 43 and priced for under $4K for a quick sale!!!

Constructed: With a double-edged lenticular blade tapering to a point, the fluted pommel is a reverse octagonal Norman 16 hens egg, round quillons with fluted swelling tips that taper to a point, the hilt decorated en-suite, with original wire grip. The hilt of the type 43 consists of its quillons supporting a side ring and arms with a second, usually smaller side ring on their ends. On the reverse, a thumb guard. It is in good condition, with some wearing, but it could be improved with a slight cleaning. Length: 42 inches.

Discussion: In a day and age lacking appropriate policing, the private citizen was forced to protect himself from society‚ criminal dregs. From the middle of the 16th to the end of the 17th-century, the weapon of choice was the rapier. The rapier is a simple but highly effective sword against the non-armored. The rapier was primarily a thrusting weapon that could inflict serious injury to an adversary‚ vital organs with minimal effort. It was also an exceptional slashing and cutting weapon; however, the slash was not as lethal as the thrust. The slash was used more like a feint to set up a finishing thrust. The slash was also a dire warning to a would-be assailant of the horrors to quickly follow if he chooses not to acquiesce. The rapier is almost undeniably of Spanish origin and is probably Spain‚ most significant contribution to the Renaissance arms race. A highly expensive, ornate rapier was the equivalent of a person in our day and age making a fashion or opulence statement by wearing very expensive jewelry, such as a Rolex or Audemars Piguet watch. Because fencing is more of a thrusting art, it became commonplace throughout Europe to have as long a blade as possible to obtain an advantage. This extravagance in length reached the point that municipalities passed statutes regarding the allowable lengths of blades. Those in violation had the misfortune of having their rapier‚ blades cropped at the tip at the city gate to comply.

Conclusion: This is an early and elegant sword in good condition that could easily be improved with a simple quick cleaning, see page 425 in my book. It would make a great addition to any collection. Type 43 was used from 1550 to 1630; however, based on its blade typology, I have classified it from circa 1550. It’s priced to sell quickly at under $4K. ACT-NOW it should sell quickly!!!*

B) SUPERB OFFICERS GRADE SCHIAVONA BASKET HILT BROAD SWORD CIRCA 1670: With thick, heavy, and elegant construction with double makers mark. Made in the Venetian Republic for an officer or wealthy person of means. Priced for a quick sale atunder$3.4K!

Discussion: The Schiavona is, in general, a man-at-arms weapon with little decoration or frills. It was used by the Dalmatian troops in the Balkans from the late 16th to 18th century. They called it Schiavona because it was used by the Doge Palace bodyguards, who were Slavic in origin but lived in the Venetian Republic, namely Dalmatia, Istria, Venetian Slovenia, and Montenegro, as well as some Croatian Uskoki who fled from Ottoman-occupied territories. The general civilian population also used the Schiavona.

Constructed: With a broad blade tapering to a sharp tip, triple fuller to the mid-blade with a double star makers mark, decorated with etching at the center dividing the fullers from the remaining blade, basket hilt, original grips, and copper alloy style Z pommel. Length: 40 inches.

Conclusion: An elegant example of a highly collectible sword. Priced to sell quickly at under $4K!!!*

C) AN ITALIAN CRABCLAW SWORD CIRCA 1600 AT UNDER $2K!!!

Discussion: The crabclaw sword was used in the Venetian Republic, which dominated the north of the Italian Peninsula, the southern Balkans, and the west side of the Adriatic. The crab claw is classified as a true broadsword; this war sword had a wider blade than its contemporary civilian rapier. The crab claw sword became popular among the armies of those who traded with Italy during the 17th century and was the weapon of choice for many heavy cavalries.

Description: Constructed with a stout blade of stiff diamond-shaped cross-section with a medial ridge tapering to its tip, an oval-shaped pommel, double crabclaw quillons with a ring guard decorated at its center, and an old spiral wooden grip, possibly the original. The length is 32 inches. The condition is good, but it could use some simple cleaning to improve it; see page 425 in my book. Length: 35 inches.

Conclusion: This is a great value! This is an inexpensive yet complete crab claw sword priced under $2K. For the collector on a budget, this is a great opportunity to own a very collectible piece at a bargain basement price. ACT NOW so you won’t be disappointed!!!*