A Globular Pommeled Rapier

[ulfberth]

Its German as Jim explained , its a military rapier and a bit earlier ca 1580
here are some variations

Military Rapier Dated: circa 1570-80 Culture: German Measurements: length 127cm/50 inches Provenance: The Dukes of Brunswick-Wolfenbüttel; Clarence H. Mackay; Hans von Schulthess, Schloss Au, near Zurich, Switzerland

[ulfberth]

and another one, this one with a back blade , sold at Christies in 2008 for 10.000 £
A GERMAN MILITARY RAPIER
CIRCA 1570-80
With flat blade double-edged over the upper third of its length, both sides cut with a near full-length narrow fuller, an additional fuller parallel with the unsharpened back, the inner-face struck with so-called 'eyelash' marks, and with further arrangements of 'eyelash' marks on both sides of the ricasso, iron hilt of rounded bars, comprising a pair of long horizontally recurved quillons with pointed swelling tips, upper and lower ring-guards swelling in the middle, a pair of arms, inner-guard of three diagonal bars with thumb-ring, large globular pommel, original fishskin-covered grip reinforced by four moulded iron longitudinal bars, strongly cusped iron collars at both ends, the hilt retaining traces of its original blued finish, the greater part lightly oxidised to russet, and in fine untouched condition throughout.
40½in (103cm) blade

[ulfberth]

A German rapier dating from c.1560—70. It has a large spherical pommel that counterbalances the weight of the blade.

[Jim McDougall]

Originally Posted by ulfberth

Its German as Jim explained , its a military rapier and a bit earlier ca 1580
here are some variations

Military Rapier Dated: circa 1570-80 Culture: German Measurements: length 127cm/50 inches Provenance: The Dukes of Brunswick-Wolfenbüttel; Clarence H. Mackay; Hans von Schulthess, Schloss Au, near Zurich, Switzerland

Thank you so much!!!! Its GREAT to see you here!!!

That makes this sword so much better to know these insights and that the period is actually earlier by about a generation! As I was looking at the condition of this, I was hoping you would come in as your keen eye on swords of these periods and regions is much needed.

[ulfberth]

Originally Posted by Jim McDougall

Thank you so much!!!! Its GREAT to see you here!!!

That makes this sword so much better to know these insights and that the period is actually earlier by about a generation! As I was looking at the condition of this, I was hoping you would come in as your keen eye on swords of these periods and regions is much needed.

Thanks to Philip for the detailed description of the blade marks and thank you Jim for explaining the historical background and tying the dots together!

[CSinTX]

Wow! Thanks for all the info and comparable examples! Yall are quite the resource, with your minds combined!

Of course, we all love the pristine examples but items like this are very interesting. Lots can be learned by being able to see further down into the metal.

I didnt take detailed pictures of the grip because it is my impression that the wood is a quality restoration. Even if it did survive intact, it should be dry and cracked much more than it is.

Thanks again!

[midelburgo]

I believe I remember seeing this same sword at an auction somewhere (?) and it had been found at a ditch of a fortified city in the Netherlands (Breda?, s'Hertogenbosch?) some 5 or 7 years ago.

[CSinTX]

Originally Posted by midelburgo

I believe I remember seeing this same sword at an auction somewhere (?) and it had been found at a ditch of a fortified city in the Netherlands (Breda?, s'Hertogenbosch?) some 5 or 7 years ago.

I didnt get it from an auction but its very possible. Any chance you might remember which auction? Would love to know of any possible history.

[midelburgo]

Possibly Hermann Historica, but it could have been just ebay. Sorry.