Identification of rapier

Jim McDougall · 2nd August 2024, 08:59 PM

This pommel form is most unusual, termed fishtail in Wallace Coll. (Mann, 1962, #634). Norman, (AVB Norman, "the Rapier and Smallsword 1400-1820", N.Y.1980) which notes it being seen on a 'few' rapiers in artwork on Dutch characters in early 17th c. (1610-1615).
Here the pommel is classified as type 41, early 17th c.(see attached).

The blade seen in the Wallace Collection example is with the name
PETTHERR WIRSBERGH, a Solingen bladesmith in early 17th c. and the sword (A634) is dated c. 1610.

The TOMAS AIALA blade, if authentic, would date late 16th-early 17th c. (c.1625) but by mid 17th his name was being spuriously used on Solingen blades. The Spanish were of course in these times holding Flanders (1556-1714) so perhaps this rapier might be regarded as 'Flemish', pending a better description by the experts here.

This seems a presentation or regalia type rapier possibly made in a commemorative sense given the ostentatious decoration, but without hands on examination it would be hard to say for sure. With provenance and being associated with a particular person where its being made might be described, who made it will be unknown. The blade would have been random acquisition from Toledo (if in fact Aiala) or Solingen.......either way, only funding punzones near ricsasso might confirm.

If this sword is of the pedigree suggested (there must be some wording with the picture) it is likely pretty high end, especially if provenance can be found.

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2nd August 2024, 08:59 PM	#5
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,281	This pommel form is most unusual, termed fishtail in Wallace Coll. (Mann, 1962, #634). Norman, (AVB Norman, "the Rapier and Smallsword 1400-1820", N.Y.1980) which notes it being seen on a 'few' rapiers in artwork on Dutch characters in early 17th c. (1610-1615). Here the pommel is classified as type 41, early 17th c.(see attached). The blade seen in the Wallace Collection example is with the name PETTHERR WIRSBERGH, a Solingen bladesmith in early 17th c. and the sword (A634) is dated c. 1610. The TOMAS AIALA blade, if authentic, would date late 16th-early 17th c. (c.1625) but by mid 17th his name was being spuriously used on Solingen blades. The Spanish were of course in these times holding Flanders (1556-1714) so perhaps this rapier might be regarded as 'Flemish', pending a better description by the experts here. This seems a presentation or regalia type rapier possibly made in a commemorative sense given the ostentatious decoration, but without hands on examination it would be hard to say for sure. With provenance and being associated with a particular person where its being made might be described, who made it will be unknown. The blade would have been random acquisition from Toledo (if in fact Aiala) or Solingen.......either way, only funding punzones near ricsasso might confirm. If this sword is of the pedigree suggested (there must be some wording with the picture) it is likely pretty high end, especially if provenance can be found.