A rapier by Pietro Hernandez

[Andreas]

Originally Posted by fernando

Hi Jim, i just meant to say that Socrates knew nothing about swords ... but he sure was a brain in other areas .

As a veteran of several battles, in which he served with distinction, he must have known a thing or two about them…

[fernando]

Originally Posted by Andreas

... As a veteran of several battles, in which he served with distinction, he must have known a thing or two about them…

Yes, Andreas, i should/could have said these sords but, in the context, i took it that my expression would be considered accordingly; i appologize for such flaw .
I realize that Socrates, not being a military by career, but appointed General for the Peloponese wars, due to his ascendence abilities, would have had serious engagements with his high end κοπίς , and has even realized that, the evolution of such Kopis woud turn into the Iberian falcata but, would have hardly envisaged the characteristics of the Iberian rapiers, that appeared two thousand years afterwards.
In any case, and for the record, i will edit my previous post, so that pointed contingencies don't prevail .

[Foxbat]

I believe the sword in question is a composite piece, the guard appears to be an Italian munition-grade one, the blade is of better quality. One most likely could see non-original peening on the pommel.

Fernando's rapier seems to be an all-original solid piece of good quality. Would be nice to see the blade.

[Cerjak]

Originally Posted by Foxbat

I believe the sword in question is a composite piece, the guard appears to be an Italian munition-grade one, the blade is of better quality. One most likely could see non-original peening on the pommel.

Fernando's rapier seems to be an all-original solid piece of good quality. Would be nice to see the blade.

Composite ?
The blade is fitting perfectly like a glove in the quillon block .
There is no sign that the blade and hilt have been separated The tang button seem perfect as it should be.
The rest of gilding decoration on the hilt and pommel in order to have a nice looking hilt to match with this beautiful blade.
The style of hilt and blade are both correct for period and can be from the same period.
Other German rapier with beautiful blade in the MET.
http://www.metmuseum.org/art/collect...ch/34787?img=1
BEST

CERJAK

[Foxbat]

The one in the last picture is a very different sword.

[Cerjak]

Originally Posted by Foxbat

The one in the last picture is a very different sword.

of course the hilt is different type but the blade geometry is quite similar

[Foxbat]

Yes, but that was very typical (don't want to use the word common) style at the time, with many blades of that style also made in Germany. The main reason I think it is a composite (without being able to actually see it in person) is the large discrepancy in the quality of the blade and the hilt, and the poor fit of the hilt parts. But of course you have the benefit of having it in your hand, I am just commenting on the pictures I see.

[Cerjak]

Originally Posted by Foxbat

The one in the last picture is a very different sword.

I don't see any problem with this pommel

[fernando]

Originally Posted by Foxbat

... Fernando's rapier seems to be an all-original solid piece of good quality. Would be nice to see the blade.

Lousy pictures; not so good as those taken by Jean-Luc

[Foxbat]

Very nice rapier, I have a somewhat similar piece.

[fernando]

Originally Posted by Foxbat

Very nice rapier, I have a somewhat similar piece.

Very nice; who is the smith ?

[Foxbat]

I was not able to determine, but thare is what appears to be a wolf mark on both sides, so likely a Solingen blade.

[Cerjak]

Originally Posted by fernando

Lousy pictures; not so good as those taken by Jean-Luc

Fernando

In Portugal you have sun so good light ,you should try with day light.
Or you could send me your best swords but I'm not sure that I will send you back !

Best
Jean-Luc

[fernando]

Originally Posted by Cerjak

Fernando

In Portugal you have sun so good light ,you should try with day light.
Or you could send me your best swords but I'm not sure that I will send you back !

Best
Jean-Luc

The problem is not the light, but the photographer's ability and his modest equipment. Ah ... mon cher, i would only risk to send you my swords linked to a rope .