7th November 2023, 12:13 AM | #1 |
Member
Join Date: May 2023
Posts: 4
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Early 18th century style Court Sword
Hi,
I picked this one up a few month ago in auction. Was described as a rapier, but is evidently a court sword of the 1700-1750 period in dating. The blade is stamped on both sides as 'X TOLEDO X' which I gather such stamping in isolation can appear on German-made swords, sort of like an off-brand Sneaker with a pseudo-Nike label. Blade feels nice in the hand. A quillion was said to have been broken off by the seller, which is possible, but all I can say is it is short. Open sort of guard is a mix of the cockle-shell style court sword with a hint of the swept hilt style of bars rather than solid. The wire appears to be held by a black resin, so may have been repaired or replaced. Ornamentation is fairly rough, but seems comparable in principle to rough engraving on the stock of an 18th century jaeger flintlock I have; ornamentation which in no way compares to the finest specimens but was added in any case. Interested if members have seen comparable examples, and if the style, condition or potential origin can be commented upon with more specifics or certainty. |
7th November 2023, 12:22 PM | #2 |
Member
Join Date: Sep 2021
Location: Leiden, NL
Posts: 499
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I don't have enough expertise to comment on the geographic origins or authenticity of all the components, but stylistically with that (shortened?) rapier blade, that relatively spherical pommel and the large pas d'anes, I'd place it a little earlier and call this a late 17th century transitional rapier.
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7th November 2023, 05:32 PM | #3 |
Member
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: Tyneside. North-East England
Posts: 543
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trans rap
I agree.
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