2077 Antique Sword
2077) ULTRA ELEGANT SUPERB CONSTRUCTION GERMAN RAPIER CIRCA 1610:
Introduction: This exceptional sword of superb construction and design is in very good condition and priced to sell today. Under the Norman sword typology, this elegant sword in superb condition would be classified as a Hilt 45, used from 1590-1625. The shell decoration may be attributed to the ancient pilgrimage route of “Camino de Santiago”. This rapier has superb construction and design. Obviously, a wealthy person owned it.
Description: Constructed with recurved crossguards (quillons), with one branch sweeping upwards to offer knuckle protection, while the other bends down toward the blade to trap an opponent’s sword. Both ends terminate in decorative, fan-like scallop shell finials. Extending below the crossguard are double loops (the pas d’âne) joined by a side ring with a shell guard decoration at its center and also a shell guard decoration at its quillon block. A side ring with wire mesh protection. The grip (possibly working life) is tightly wrapped in fine, multi-strand metallic wire, providing a texture, secure surface for a gauntleted or bare hand. An egg-shaped (ovoid) pommel is decorated with crisp, intersecting incised lines that form a diamond or cross-hatched pattern, capped by a small button at the very top. The blade is of flattened lenticular section and formed with a short ricasso.
Approximate Length: 48.5 inches.
Condition: Very good.
Comparables:
-Several examples of this hilt typology still survive in Dresden made by Anton Schuch.
– Victoria and Albert Museum Reg # M2790-31.
-Schweizerisches Landesmuseum.
-Nuremberg Germanisches Nationalmuseum Inv.# 1292.
Discussion: The scalloped shell-etched decoration and fleur de lys have been attributed to Saint James. The St James Way (or the Camino de Santiago) is one of the most ancient pilgrimage routes in the world. One of several attributions of the scalloped shell to St. James recounts an episode where an apostle rescued a knight who had fallen into the water and emerged covered in scallop shells. At the same time, the remains of Saint James were being taken from Jerusalem to Galicia. Attributions are not only found on swords but also on armor (see the attached armor sold by us).
In recent years, the St. James Way has become quite popular. The route takes pilgrims through a multitude of different routes across Spain, France, and Portugal and ends in Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, in the north of Spain. The scallop shell is used, along with a yellow arrow, to guide pilgrims along its various routes.
Why are swords like this so important during the Renaissance?
In a day and age lacking appropriate policing, the private citizen was forced to protect himself from society’s 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 yet highly effective sword against non-armored opponents.
The rapier was primarily a thrusting weapon that could inflict serious injury to an adversary’s 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 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 follow if he chose not to acquiesce quickly.
Conclusion: This is an exceptional sword of superb construction and design in very good condition that is priced to sell today. It has a lot going for it. All Arms and Armor collections should have at least one good rapier. All my items come with the following:
–Free shipping.
–10-day review period.
–Certificate of Authenticity.
– Free autographed copy of my book if you do not have one.
– In the event of an international shipment, we will help assign the lowest correct Customs tariffs, so you pay the least as little as 5% or even nothing.
I believe you will be very pleased. ACT-NOW!!!*