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					Originally Posted by cornelistromp
					
				 
				the earliest certain representation of a side ring on the quillons in art are on an engraving of Daniel Hopfer, maybe a type of grosses messer, believed to be Konrad von der Rosen. 1515 
 
fe see a sword in the painting of St Paul by Pier Francesco Sacchi 1523, it is clear to see that the side rings are still open. 
			
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 Very interesting, both of these artworks are new to me... thanks for sharing!