Tomas De Aiala sword blade.

[cornelistromp]

Originally Posted by Jim McDougall

Just found it I think Norman,
In Boccia & Coelho (#726) there is an Italian smallsword (c 1680-90) with virtually this exact type blade, and the quad dots next to the 'eye' with dot, fuller etc.
In this case the 'Tomas' is on obverse side of bade while 'Aiala' other.
In this case this tang would insert directly into hilt as seen here, and there would be no 'stem' type ricasso as with rapiers.
I'll try to get a pic, but always a challenge with my antiquated tools (and me
In Wallace (1962) it is noted that in many cases Italy used the Tomas Aiala name, just as did Solingen. In this case this could well be a Solingen blade in Italy, or other way around but used on smallsword rather than rapier.

@ Jim
very good find, it seems to me that an early 17thC shortened rapier blade is re-used in this 17thC small sword.This was done a lot during the transition from rapier to the much faster small swords, in the second half of the 17thC.
(always shortened at the base not the tip!)
an Italian origin for the blade under discussion is likely.

best,
Jasper

[Norman McCormick]

Hi,
Just noticed this mark on the tang. Unlikely to be a makers mark, inventory number?

Hi Jasper,
Thanks for finding the photo re Jim's post.
My Regards,
Norman.

[Jim McDougall]

As always Jasper, your input here is outstanding and your experience with these weapons truly helps in better evaluating them and understanding key details. I very much appreciate your posting the example from Boccia & Coelho (my scanner is junk!).
As you note, and I misperceived, the tang on this blade does have the length to have been a rapier, and your assessment of date spot on.....
with that......Norman I think you quite possibly have a true Ayala!!

All the best,
Jim