Fine German Transitional Rapier/Smallsword, Late 17th/early 18th C

Description

Brass hilt featuring symmetrical bilobate shell guard, decorative pas d’ane, and squared
knucklebow. Oblong pommel with flattened sides, featuring grotesque masks and human
figures in relief. Fine spiral grip wrap of twisted iron and brass wire with braided turks heads
top and bottom. Hexagonal-section 28 1/4″ blade with ricasso marked with gilded Prussian
Eagle and “BERLIN” on both sides, probably of the 18th C. The style of the knucklebow,
pommel, and grip are typical of late 17th C transitional swords, but the shorter blade with gilt
markings likely from the 18th C. Very attractive and fine quality sword with a beautiful rich
patina to the brass. Overall length 35″.