German Swept Hilt Rapier w. Scabbard, 17th c.
This reconstruction of an early 17th c. German swept-hilt rapier has a narrow, sharply tapering EN45 spring steel blade with diamond cross-section and pointed tip. The edges are not sharpened and the blade's full tang is secured to the pommel with a steel top nut. The complex, elegant swept hilt with S-shaped crossguard and side ring is made of mild steel, as is the pommel. The grip is composed of a wooden core wrapped with alternating layers of brass and twisted steel wire. Delivery includes a wooden scabbard tightly bound in black leather and finished with a steel throat and chape. More information...
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German Swept Hilt Rapier w. Scabbard, 17th c.
The rapier first appeared around 1500 and remained the sword of choice of the European gentry and bourgeoisie until the late 17th century. Primarily designed as a thrusting weapon (yet still quite efficient at cutting and slashing), this one-handed, usually double-edged Renaissance sword with long, slender blade and sharp point was predominantly used by noblemen for both military and civilian purposes. Generally equipped with a more or less elaborate basket-, cup- or swept-hilt for enhanced hand protection on the battlefield or dueling ground, it enjoyed great popularity in the most varied forms throughout Europe as a fencing, self-defence or dueling weapon and eventually became a status symbol and an essential fashion accessory to any gentleman's or officer's attire.
Please note that this sword is not a battle ready weapon. It is designed as a collector's or decoration/display piece and is not suited for combat reenactment. Besides its quality as a collectible, it is also perfectly suited as a prop, e.g. to complete your costume.
Specifications:
- Material: EN45 spring steel blade (high carbon steel, not stainless), mild steel guard and pommel, wooden grip with steel and brass wire wrap
- Overall length: approx. 109cm
- Blade length: approx. 92cm incl. ricasso (approx. 88cm without)
- Blade thickness: approx. 6mm / 3mm (cutting edges approx. 1mm)
- Hilt length: approx. 21cm from side ring to pommel cap (grip approx. 8cm)
- Max. blade width: approx. 2cm
- Point of balance: approx. 6.5cm from the crossguard
- Incl. wooden scabbard with genuine leather cover and steel fittings
- Weight without scabbard: approx. 1.1 kg
- Weight with scabbard: approx. 1.35 kg
Specs may slightly vary from piece to piece.
The steel used here is not rust-proof and might show slight surface tarnishing in places. We recommend you to maintain the blade and the scabbard on a regular basis, for example using Ballistol Universal Oil, which is ideally suited for steel care.