rapier

urbanspaceman · 1st July 2020, 02:31 PM

Hi Jim. Yes, I've heard you say this before. Trouble is, I'm not really a historian, even though I am telling the historical story of Shotley Bridge. Neither am I a collector really, although I now have quite a collection. I am more interested in the engineering aspect of these swords, and the design. I am building this collection because it illustrates the development of this particular period of sword manufacture. Unfortunately, it has broadened as I delved deeper, hence the acquisition of the Rapier. The Hounslow Hangar and the Schiavona are next I suspect. It gets more expensive as I go along. The SB sword has been my most expensive so far but I would have paid twice that amount.

urbanspaceman · 1st July 2020, 02:48 PM

Incidentally, the blade of this SB sword is truly a work of genius. It is 4cm (0.17 inch for you Imperialists out there) at its thickest part for the majority of its length (i.e. mid.fuller to last c.18cm) with no variation! It is incredibly hard, yet rigid with significant flex. It is still razor sharp after 330 years, and smooth as can be. The balance is quite perfect. It is no-the-wonder they were prized so highly.
I never tire of appreciating the craftsmanship involved... that is what I am really: a lover of quality workmanship. This is why I am inclined to restore things to their 'as new' condition; that is what the craftsman worked to achieve and what appealed to the customer.

1st July 2020, 02:31 PM	#1
urbanspaceman Member Join Date: Sep 2017 Location: Tyneside. North-East England Posts: 622	the eternal question Hi Jim. Yes, I've heard you say this before. Trouble is, I'm not really a historian, even though I am telling the historical story of Shotley Bridge. Neither am I a collector really, although I now have quite a collection. I am more interested in the engineering aspect of these swords, and the design. I am building this collection because it illustrates the development of this particular period of sword manufacture. Unfortunately, it has broadened as I delved deeper, hence the acquisition of the Rapier. The Hounslow Hangar and the Schiavona are next I suspect. It gets more expensive as I go along. The SB sword has been my most expensive so far but I would have paid twice that amount. Attached Images

1st July 2020, 02:48 PM	#2
urbanspaceman Member Join Date: Sep 2017 Location: Tyneside. North-East England Posts: 622	ps Incidentally, the blade of this SB sword is truly a work of genius. It is 4cm (0.17 inch for you Imperialists out there) at its thickest part for the majority of its length (i.e. mid.fuller to last c.18cm) with no variation! It is incredibly hard, yet rigid with significant flex. It is still razor sharp after 330 years, and smooth as can be. The balance is quite perfect. It is no-the-wonder they were prized so highly. I never tire of appreciating the craftsmanship involved... that is what I am really: a lover of quality workmanship. This is why I am inclined to restore things to their 'as new' condition; that is what the craftsman worked to achieve and what appealed to the customer.