Spanish rapier

[fernando]

Originally Posted by Foxbat

The style of the taza could be consistent with the 17th century, but the way the guard attaches to the pommel strongly suggests later period. Is it possible that the taza and the guard were mated later in their life? Yes, but the pictures do not provide evidence of that.

Actually this guard is attached to the pommel in a very unnatural way. Yes, the mating of both guard and cup at a later stage is, as you say, possible but unlikely. With pictures taken in different angles, one could see if there are any extra screw holes or other signs of having refixed both parts. Amazingly this is a more remote probability in Portuguese cup hilt swords as, usually, the cup is welded (and not screwed) to the guard.
We must say usually as, one must not ignore that within a large range of time including the concerned period, weapons smiths would often follow the 'Iberian' fashion.
On the other hand, the method of attaching the guard to the pommel would be a system mainly adopted by military. Many exceptions to this habit clearly showed alterations later made in original (civilian) guards.
The example discussed here, 'rapier' blade and all, must have been born a civilian sword.
Yes, better pictures would (probably) help to clarify things.

Mejores y diferentes fotos, Jacques ... es posible ?