Magnificent Silver-encrusted Transitional Rapier, ca. 1660

 

 

 

 

Hilt with asymmetrical double shell guards, slightly recurved quillons with flattened globular pommel, chiseled ensuite with pairs of exotic birds, centering on bouquets of fruit, with pellet border and foliage. Chiseled design in silver over blackened background, makes a striking contrast. Ribbed fine twisted iron wire grip. Lens form 29" blade with short triple fuller with pierced line and dot pattern. Attached museum/collector inventory tag. This is a rapier of exceptional quality in very good plus condition, with only minor silver loss. North European origin. A similar silver-encrusted transitional rapier is in the armoury of Carl Gustaf Wrangel at Stokloster, inventory #7240
SR435 $7500