Lot 74
Europe, probably Spain or Italy, ca. 18th to early 19th century CE. An elegant weapon from a simpler time, a rapier with a cup-hilt. The globe-shaped pommel has two incised motifs that seem likely to be personal marks of the owner: one the bust of an angel with wings spread, and the other a floral outline that could be part of a crest or family arms. The handle is wrapped in braided steel above the cup. Two crosspieces curve around the handle and the hilt, terminating in distinct round tips. The blade is relatively long for a rapier (suggesting a tall owner) and ends in a sharp point. The fuller (sometimes called a "blood gutter") has an incised series of letters that are somewhat difficult to read from age - they may read "CC P(?) O CC P C". The letters and the incised designs on the pommel have the remains of a pale red pigment in their grooves. Size: 6.9" W x 48" H (17.5 cm x 121.9 cm); length of blade: 40.25" (102.2 cm).
The cup-hilt style, designed to provide further protection to the sword hand, was invented in Spain in the mid-1600s. A rapier like this one would have been mostly a ceremonial weapon, used not on the battlefield but instead at court and other elite institutions to demonstrate the social standing of its owner, who would have worn it sheathed on the belt. It may have been brought out to defend its wearer's honor, using one of the multiple schools of rapier fencing practiced in both Spain and Italy. As a single handed-weapon, the wearer would likely pair the rapier with a dagger or other small weapon.
Provenance: Ex-Kavet Collection, Massachusets
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#121588
- Condition: Light tarnish and patina, with expected age wear to handle and blade. Small tear to steel of bell immediately above where it encloses the blade. Hilt is slightly loose from blade.
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