1960 Antique Sword

1960) HIGHLY CHISELED SPANISH RAPIER BY SWORDMAKER TO THE KING MASTER AVAL DEL MONTE CIRCA 1580:

Introduction: This exceptional rapier was made in Toledo, Spain, home to some of the most exceptional rapiers ever made. The rapier is almost undeniably of Spanish origin and is probably Spain’s‚ most significant contribution to the Renaissance arms race. Rapiers from Toledo are legendary and highly sought by collectors. Under the Norman typology, this rapier is classified as a hilt 63 , which was used for a short period of time from 1615 to 1635.

Discussion: A highly expensive and ornate rapier such as this one 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. High fashion was an essential status and power symbol in the late Middle Ages and the Renaissance. High fashion was especially important among the mega-wealthy, who wanted to outdo their rivals, neighbors, and peers in the fashion arena. Not all wars were fought on the battlefield with swords, lances, and armor. A non-bloody war was in the fashion and status arena. Fashion also extended deeply to Arms and Armor. The phrase… “keeping up with the Joneses” … is not a new 20th-century concept.

In an era lacking effective policing, the private citizen was forced to protect himself from society’s criminal dregs. The weapon of choice was the rapier from the mid-16th to the late 17th century. The rapier is a simple yet highly effective sword against non-armored opponents. 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 less lethal than the thrust. The slash was used more as 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 chose not to acquiesce.

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. One example of these statutes is the English Royal Proclamation of March 17, 1557. The French adopted the phrase “espee rapiere” by 1475, which was later shortened to simply “rapiere.” The English, in 1505, spelled it”rappyer.” The Giles Duwes English/ French dictionary of 1532/3 adopted the rapier definition as “Spannyshe sworde”.

By 1550, the term rapier had been adopted to describe a slender, sharply pointed sword designed for thrusting, cutting, and slashing attacks. The rapier now consisted of a hilt protected by a handguard. The Earliest Illustration of this sword Typology 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, circa 1585, by Giovanni Antonio Figino.

Ával del Monte — Swordmaker to the king (Espadero al Rey): Ával del Monte was a swordsmith who worked in Toledo, Spain, during the 16th century. His signature appears in inventories and catalogs of historical pieces. One of the most frequently cited works attributed to this craftsman is the “Lazo Sword, Aval del Monte in Toledo,” dating to the 16th century. This sword is considered a prime example of the high-quality blacksmithing of Toledo during that period. The title of “swordsmith to the King” suggests that the Spanish Crown recognized Ával del Monte and probably worked for high-ranking clients or to supply quality weapons to the royal service in the late 16th century. His name appears in historical catalogs of Spanish swords as part of the legacy of the great master blacksmiths of Toledo.Description: Under the Norman typology, the rapier under discussion would be a Hilt 62 with a pommel 29. With swelling at the tips of the reverse quillons, rectangular recasso, wooden grip wrapped in original wire, with two Turks’ Heads, a long blade of diamond section tapers evenly towards the tip, a short fuller with an inscription “IN SOLIGEN” which identifies the blade as having been imported from Germany. The chevron-shaped quillon block is decorated with deep chiseling en suite with the hilt.

Length: 116cm.

Condition: This sword is in very good condition and can be proudly displayed in any collection.

Comparables:

– Museo Lázaro Galdiano inv. # 219. See pictured above.

-Victoria and Albert Museum Reg. # 2227-1855.

– Musée de l’Armée, Paris, Cat # J206.

-Museo Stibbert, Florence Cat # 2028.

Conclusion: Even if you are not a rapier aficionado, all early arms and armor collections should have at least one example of a rapier. Military rapiers have a strong attraction for collectors. This is a historic rapier made by Ával del Monte — Swordmaker to the king (Espadero al Rey), need I say more! ACT NOW swords like this seldom last in the collectors market!

All my items come with the following:

–Free shipping.–10-day review period.–Certificate of Authenticity.–Autographed copy of my book.–In the event of an international shipment, we will help assign the lowest correct Customs tariff so you pay the least.This is a great example of a very good rapier at a very reasonable price. ACT-NOW, so you will not be disappointed. They seldom come this nice and at this price!!!*

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