Fine Gilt Dutch Rapier, ca. 1650

Description

Fine quality hilt with asymmetrical side rings filled with plates chiseled with profile heads and
foliage, the obverse with a gilt central knob chiseled with acanthus design. Knucklebow with
central knob decorated ensuite and joining the bun shaped pommel with matching acanthus
decoration. Short straight quillons with button finials also decorated with acanthus chiseling.
Thumb ring on reverse. The acanthus knobs and pommel are all fire gilt (refreshed). Grip
wrap with three sizes of twisted silver wire and turks heads, likely the original. Slender 32
½” blade of diamond section with remains of engraved design at the forte. Very fine quality
and attractive rapier with minor repairs and restorations. Overall length 38″.