1685) RARE ETCHED FENCING BUCKLER (shield) WITH SWORD BREAKER CIRCA 1600: Museum quality- exceptionally rare and important. A buckler is a small shield held by a crossbar in the opposite hand of the rapier by a civilian swordsman. This is a very large example with superb decoration and a sword breaker in the middle in superb condition.
Introduction: Bucklers were used instead of left-hand daggers. Bucklers are rare, and few have survived, especially with etched decoration. This one is an exceptionally rare buckler in that it also has a dagger in its center (which serves as a left-hand dagger) and a sword breaker.
Description: Constructed in low carbon steel, circular with turned edges, four rosettes serve to hold the wooden grip on the opposite side of the buckler, the center expanding outwards into a half-spherical swelling with twenty-one rivets to hold the lining (missing) on the other side. At its center is a dagger with six pierced slits on the blade that serves as a sword breaker. The shaft/tang of the sword breaker is circular and transverses the shield; it attaches to a wooden grip by a restored metal U-shaped brace. It is decorated with three bands of etched scrolling foliage radiating from the center sword breaker and three wider bands also decorated in foilage. The border also also etched. Hammer marks on the reverse. Conserved/restored to museum standards.
Circumference: 14 inches.
Condition: Exceptional should be in a museum.
Conclusion: First one I have had in 35 years. If you collect rapiers or are an aficionado of fencing, this is a rare opportunity to own a highly sought-after collectible in the Renaissance Arms and Armor field. The owner says sell and has very reasonably priced it. Please contact me for the lowest possible price. ACT-NOW, this one should sell very quickly!!!*