Italian Town Sword, Rapier, Mid-17th C

Description

Iron hilt with fluted down-turned shell guard; large scrolled and chiseled reverse quillon and
fluted quillon block. Knuckle bow chiseled ensuite, attaching to the pommel with a single
screw. Faceted ovoid pommel, chiseled with scroll work and chevrons; large button finial
(piece missing from the reverse). Original grip wrap made of twisted iron wire of different
sizes (minor losses), with turks heads top and bottom; never having been apart. Old
professional brazed repair to the quillon. Double edged diamond-section blade of 40″
(101.6 cm) length with tiny maker’s mark. Shows great age, with light pitting and dark
patina. Overall length 46 1/4″ (117.5 cm). Fine and decorative rapier. Provenance: The
esteemed Russell Char Collection, Las Vegas.