North European, probably Scandinavian. Iron hilt featuring asymmetrical shell guard, pas d’ane, knucklebow, and spherical pommel; chiseled ensuite with gilt classical figures on a blackened background. Spiral shaped grip intricately wrapped with alternating twisted black iron and copper wire; turks heads top and bottom. Narrow hexagonal-section 32 3/4" rapier blade with short single fuller each side, stamped "HEINRICH * COLL ** " (Probably Heinrich Coll the Younger, ca. 1650 -1700 of Solingen). Retains remains of red textile blade washer. An exceptional quality transitional rapier/smallsword in very good plus original condition. Minor rubbing to the gilt and blackened background. Blade clean and smooth, with small areas of tiny pinprick pitting. Overall length 39 ½".