The first half of the 17th century was a period of civil war in Europe. At the social level, conviction of any kind could lead to physical confrontations, which  took the form of duels among the upper class.
To fight off an opponent, rapiers were often used; large long bladed weapons which are excellent for damaging or even piercing the opponant at long reach.

This example is known as the Dutch model with panel guard and typical curved quillons, it also shows similarities with the german Pappenheimer rapiers.

The double guards are filled with lattice panels which were sacrificial-intended to be penetrated by and briefly engage an opponents blade. They are brazed in and would be replaced if damaged for another duel.

The blade:

The blade is long, double edged and has a single fuller on both sides running through almost the entire blade. The blade is revited to the hilt with an oval shaped pommel. The blade bears initials ‘IN VA LA’ and on the other side ‘VI IN AI’ separated with ‘eyelash’ marks which indicates the blade was likely made in Solingen or by a maker who worked in Solingen, Germany.

This type of rapier was made around 1630 and has typical curved quillons and ricasso shape being popular in that period. Not only pleasing the eye, but also very effective when it comes to balancing the sword and thrusting the opponants blade.

Condition: Very good, some ware on the steel, but excellent intact panels and original wired handle.

Dimensions:
Hilt: 21cm
Blade length: 95cm
Blade thickness: 2.3cm at its widest point.
Total length: 117cm

Comparable example:

– The Wallace Collection, Armoury III (attributed to Germany) acc.nr. A675
– The Royal Armouries Leeds, acc.nr. IX.2121

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Copyright by Peter Andeweg – 2020