Spanish or Italian Shell Guard Rapier, 2nd Half 17th C

Description

Forged iron hilt formed with two large upturned shell guards, each with decorative chiseled border. Long, straight round-section quillons with turned finials; large pas d’ane integrally forged with the shells; and a number of smaller looping bars which cover the spaces between the shells and join with the integrally forged knuckle bow. Bun-shaped pommel with turned base; grip wrapped with twisted copper wire secured with iron ferrules top and bottom. Broad double-edged 36” (91.4 cm) blade of flattened hexagonal section with shallow central fuller stamped with maker’s name “* GIO * KNEGT ” on one side and “* IN * SOLINGEN *” on the other, with anchor mark at the end of the fuller on both sides. The Knecht Family of Solingen, Germany has been active from the early 17^th Century, well into the 20^th Century, and George Knecht’s name has been found on many blades exported to the Caribbean and the Spanish colonies, as well as swords on the European Continent. Guard and grip slightly loose, one small bar has a separated forge weld (see photo), dark gunmetal patina and scattered rust marking to metal, and several shallow nicks in the blade. Overall length 43” (109.2 cm). Formerly in the War Museum Collection.