Little rapier with cut hilt - 18th century?

Fuzzysnuggleduck · 25th June 2023, 07:29 AM

Thanks Radboud!
That the riccaso is missing a bit, and maybe shortened, was something I considered since part of the engraving seems to look like it is cut off or could originally go below the edge of the cup.

A recycled blade, onto a more recent cup & hilt makes sense. The solder also felt like a repair and a bit sloppy. So a more recent composite actually would fit the evidence better.
(BTW, I am in NZ as well.)

Numerals, cuts in steel.
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3 dots, and another view of the 'wrong' looking tube between handle and cup.
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Radboud · 25th June 2023, 10:50 AM

I don’t know what the three dots mean I’m sorry, but that swirl on the base of the spine looks like the top of a ‘Solingen Rose’ a mark commonly found on blades from Solingen. I don’t know what the numerals mean on the spine, but it is something I have seen on French swords before. My An XI troopers sabre has similar marks as well.

Where in NZ are you based? There’s a show next Sunday at Alexandra Park, in Auckland where I’ll be showing my 1796 Patterns. Stop by and say hi if you can.

Fuzzysnuggleduck · 26th June 2023, 02:25 AM

Thanks again! I think we have the 'rapier' figured out. I can match the engraving style, the top of the missing panel/cut away, and the fuller and blade type to French officer's swords online.
I am in Hamilton, and will plan to come up to the Arms Fair. Hope to be there, and will look out for any displays of swords.

25th June 2023, 07:29 AM	#1
Fuzzysnuggleduck Member Join Date: May 2023 Posts: 4	Thanks Radboud! That the riccaso is missing a bit, and maybe shortened, was something I considered since part of the engraving seems to look like it is cut off or could originally go below the edge of the cup. A recycled blade, onto a more recent cup & hilt makes sense. The solder also felt like a repair and a bit sloppy. So a more recent composite actually would fit the evidence better. (BTW, I am in NZ as well.) Numerals, cuts in steel. 3 dots, and another view of the 'wrong' looking tube between handle and cup.

25th June 2023, 10:50 AM	#2
Radboud Member Join Date: Sep 2021 Location: New Zealand Posts: 255	I don’t know what the three dots mean I’m sorry, but that swirl on the base of the spine looks like the top of a ‘Solingen Rose’ a mark commonly found on blades from Solingen. I don’t know what the numerals mean on the spine, but it is something I have seen on French swords before. My An XI troopers sabre has similar marks as well. Where in NZ are you based? There’s a show next Sunday at Alexandra Park, in Auckland where I’ll be showing my 1796 Patterns. Stop by and say hi if you can.

26th June 2023, 02:25 AM	#3
Fuzzysnuggleduck Member Join Date: May 2023 Posts: 4	Thanks again! I think we have the 'rapier' figured out. I can match the engraving style, the top of the missing panel/cut away, and the fuller and blade type to French officer's swords online. I am in Hamilton, and will plan to come up to the Arms Fair. Hope to be there, and will look out for any displays of swords.