1730 Rapier or a Victorian 'Copy' .........any ideas?

[katana]

Originally Posted by Jim McDougall

Despite all the BBQ tool analysis JUDL!! I cant resist throwing in my 2cents on this 'item'.

I am inclined to agree with Marc on the 'Victorian' period assessment, but am wondering if this might be a theatrical weapon. It seems that some of the weapons made for 'period' performances were made sturdily, although not necessarily completely accurate. While this sword is made to appear to be a cuphilt rapier, it is clearly not intended to withstand comparison to the authentic examples. It would however, present the desired effect as part of a costume in a performance.

Katana, even if this is a Victorian period sword, for whatever purpose, it still clearly has its own story to tell....

All the best,
Jim

Thanks Jim for your 2 cents worth......interesting and imaginative angle
Other than the possible peened pommel, the overall 'crudeness' of the sword's construction 'swayed' me into believing that this might not be 'Victoriana' and hence I took a risk.

My reasoning was that a 'wallhanger' would be more ornate...and accurate.... this sword looked more simplistic and functional. I tried to find similar examples on the web and .....found none.

I began to wonder whether this was a 'blacksmiths' sword.....apparently a number of blacksmiths produced cheaper basic swords during the 17c-18c ( and possibly before and after this period)
I cannot remember the reference (sorry Jim ), but, I was assuming this was common knowledge to collectors of this period. If I can find the reference I will post it. But several examples (pictures) shown were of crude rapiers, I assumed this type were more common because the blade would be easier to forge and would require less 'finishing'.

If it wasn't for those old action/adventure movies of my childhood...I probably wouldn't have had a desire to own a rapier......Damn Errol Flynn and his swashbuckling...... Assuming this sword is a poorly constructed wallhanger I will find a use for it.....perhaps a 'one of a kind' car aerial