Excellent Mid-17th Century Continental Dish Hilt Rapier In Its Original Scabbard Circa 1640.

An Excellent Mid-17th Century Continental Dish Hilt Rapier In Its Original Scabbard Circa 1640.

34 and 1/2 inch diamond shaped rapier blade with four short fullers on each side 5 and 3/4 inch central flat. The blade is unusually rigid designed for combat. Scalloped shaped dish hilt deeply engraved with four phoenix birds and further decorated with pierced leafy panels. Complex hilt of particularly elegant form with central balls and single ball quillion ensuite. Elaborate steel wire wrapped wooden grip with finger rests surmounted by finely braided “Turk’s Heads”. Onion form steel pommel with cutwork decoration.

This fine fighting rapier appears entirely homogenous and never dismounted. The blade with cabalistic engravings at forte and condition is very good with staining. The hilt is very good throughout and the grip is excellent. The sword retains an old lead collection tag. Most remarkably this rapier still has its original leather scabbard with both chape and locket original to the piece. The leather shows most of its ancient black paint. 42 inches overall out of scabbard.

This rapier balances perfectly and will enhance any collection of 17th century swords.