Quote:
|
Originally Posted by mariusgmioc
I think the average blade length of this type of rapiers normally exceeded 100 cm (sometimes by as much as 30 cm, but probably most of them were in range of 105-115 cm). So 92 cm is rather short for a Rapier.
But as I said before, I am definitely not very knowledgeable on the subject.
|
I would give it as a fact that one should hesitate in determining the blade length of these swords... that not necessarily rapiers; at least in practical terms, once those beat whatever written in books.
The six examples in my little collection vary from 69 to 98 cm.(69-80-82-83-86-98).
... And the twelve units of a collection catalogued by someone from whom i have acquired a couple of mine, vary from 81 to 134 cm. (81-83-88-89-89-93-98-100-103-104-
124-132). To be taken into account that the two largest ones are not to be considered as 'normal'; the so called 'off the mark', prohibited by the period authorities ... and very rare to find out there.
We may assume that, when comes to practice, rather than following a standard length, blades often followed owners conveniences, when they didn't have an average stature: short for a rather short owner, large for a rather tall one. Whether those for the shorties are commissioned to their size or shortened after acquisition, is another issue.
And then, i would guess, come the ones that are shortened for different reasons, like having been broken by accident.
I hope not to be taken too seriously, as i am no expert either
.
PS
And i would like to further point out that, the one i have with the widest blade, is the shortest one.
-