Rapier for coments

[Matchlock]

Originally Posted by cornelistromp

The color of the metal and the pitting is consistent with other parts of this rapier.
Because mostly the pommel is touched over the time by hands here one sees more severe pitting.

This kind of deep of deep und irregular, but not crisp pitting is typical of excavated finds that were heavily grinded with sandpaper in order took better. The main part of the pommel is almost never touched by the hand, just the grip binding and hilt are. The homogenuous surface color seems to be a good repatination probably using olive or crude linseed oil and a yellowish lacquer. It can be achieved within hours.

In contrast, the surfaces of the blade and pommel of the piece you posted are obviously homogenuous and belong.

Best,
Michael

[celtan]

Hi M,

I follow your reasoning, but I differ somewhat. I believe that the part of the sword that is mostly in contact with the hand is precisely the pommel, specially if it is as big as this one is.

I speak from personal experience, I often carry swords around, and to control their movement while walking I usually keep them held by the pommel. Try it yourself.

: )

Best

M

Originally Posted by Matchlock

This kind of deep of deep und irregular, but not crisp pitting is typical of excavated finds that were heavily grinded with sandpaper in order took better. The main part of the pommel is almost never touched by the hand, just the grip binding and hilt are. The homogenuous surface color seems to be a good repatination probably using olive or crude linseed oil and a yellowish lacquer. It can be achieved within hours.

In contrast, the surfaces of the blade and pommel of the piece you posted are obviously homogenuous and belong.

Best,
Michael

[Matchlock]

Hi Manuel,

Agreed - I cannot compete with your actual experience in handling swords.

Besides my collection of earliest arsenal firearms and accouterments, I can only boast on possessing three swords: two extremely rare early 16th century Italian Landsknecht sabers, one of whom I posted here in a thread on its own, and a very fine ca. 1600 Munich Stantler rapier in as new original condition, which I will post soon.

That's why, in discussing edged weapons, I generally rely on my experienced friend Ottmar.

Thank you and best,
Michael

[fernando]

Originally Posted by Matchlock

This kind of deep of deep und irregular, but not crisp pitting is typical of excavated finds that were heavily grinded with sandpaper in order took better. The main part of the pommel is almost never touched by the hand, just the grip binding and hilt are. The homogenuous surface color seems to be a good repatination probably using olive or crude linseed oil and a yellowish lacquer. It can be achieved within hours.

Not necessarily so.
Such judgement may well be most influenced by the quality of pictures, which in many cases tend to distort the actual colour of objects.
These were taken by night, with flash, so achievement is not close from real .
Looking at the lower close up picture in my post #10, we observe a more stabilized situation ... though yet not perfect.

[Matchlock]

OK, 'Nando,

I see and accept your argument. Of course I can only judge by what I think I can interpret from the images.

Best,
Michl