Description
While in other parts of the world, such as Italy, the cuphilt rapier was out of fashion by the 18th Century, the Spanish continued to use this style well into the 19th Century. This example, of much smaller proportions than those of the 17th C, is likely from the later 18th C. It features hemispherical cup with raised diagonally fluted border attached with rivets to the pas d’ane, long straight spirally fluted quillons with button finials, knuckle bow decorated ensuite, and spirally fluted bun-shaped pommel with button. Grip is wrapped with shagreen and has longitudinal bars on each side with ferrules top and bottom. Slender double-edged 31 1/8” (79 cm) blade of diamond section, the upper third with etched foliate decoration (worn). Very good condition with all parts tight, the blade with scattered light pitting. Overall length 37 1/4”. Such weapons are thought to be a favorite of pirates during the Golden Age of Piracy.
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