Italian? Rapier

[Foxbat]

Originally Posted by mariusgmioc

A rapier wit a strikingly similar blade was sold in an auction as being German.

That is not an uncommon blade structure, I in fact own several of them, for instance this one. Here it also contains the wolf-like symbol (although some people suggested it might be a cow... ), possibly confirming the German origin, however, I belong to the school that considers the hilt the primary part of a rapier.

Victrix is, of course, correct, as we know, rapiers were assembled from components, made by more than one master. That usually involved the blade, the hilt and very commonly the grip - each requiring very different set of skills.

[fernando]

Originally Posted by Foxbat

... I belong to the school that considers the hilt the primary part of a rapier...

Could it be bacause hilts have in their 'favour' one attribute, which is the esthetical component ? However is the blade, the part that swordsmen primarily depend upon. Is it wrong to say that blade smiths names (and marks) were more in the limelight ?

Originally Posted by Foxbat

...Victrix is, of course, correct, as we know, rapiers were assembled from components, made by more than one master...

Not only rapiers, but also

[mariusgmioc]

Thank you for posting more photos... but... maybe you can post better ones?!

I know how difficult it is to take good relevant photos without professional equipment, but with some good daylight light and the right angle maybe it is possible.

Regards,

Marius

[Foxbat]

I used to have a pretty good photo setup, but now have to rely more on the phone. I will try later, but the blade has very strong dark patina, so don't know how much better I can do it.

[urbanspaceman]

There doesn't appear to be bold markings present; maybe a shift in the lighting angle will show them up.

[urbanspaceman]

Magnificent piece by the way. Considering that six months ago I had no connection with the sword world I am rapidly becoming desirous of a variety of examples, and a rapier like yours is on the list.

[Foxbat]

Originally Posted by urbanspaceman

Magnificent piece by the way. Considering that six months ago I had no connection with the sword world I am rapidly becoming desirous of a variety of examples, and a rapier like yours is on the list.

Thank you! I did processing similar to what you did, it made the detail somewhat more visible, thanks for the hint!

There appear to be some characters along the way, perhaps things like I, L or Y. And the termination symbol looks interesting.