North Italian (Brescia) Shell Guard Rapier, ca. 1640

Description

Symmetrical steel guard of round-section bars featuring long straight quillons,
knucklebow, large pas d’ane, and double side rings; each filled with a large plate,
pierced and chiseled in the shape of a seashell. A series of three looping bars fills the
ends of the guard on both sides, joining with the quillons and side rings. Faceted bun-
shaped pommel with small turned button. Original grip wrap of two different sizes of iron
wire and finished with turks heads top and bottom. Slender 46 7/8″ diamond-section
blade with short central fuller, stamped with maker’s name “** IOHANNIS ** COLL **
with another mark below the fuller on both sides. This is probably Johannes Kohl the
Elder of Solingen, active approx. 1580-1620. At this time Brescia was under the control
of Spain and the Spanish influence is evident. Guard a little loose, but the sword is
complete and original and likely never been apart. Overall length 53 3/4″.