1045

17th Century Spanish Cup Hilt Rapier

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:1,200.00 USD Estimated At:3,000.00 - 5,000.00 USD
17th Century Spanish Cup Hilt Rapier
Blade measures 40 3/4" from the guard to the hilt, with tapered double edges and the inscription "SIC ATUR AD ASTRA" on each side, flanked by a dash and a cross. A Latin phrase, translated alternately as "a path to the stars" or "thus you shall go to the stars", is attributed to Virgil's epic poem The Aeneid, and has been adopted as a motto by a number of modern organizations. Resting atop a pair of curved forearms is a fluted cup hilt, measuring 5 1/2" across and approximately 2 9/10" tall, with a pair of rivets securing the forearms and a rough surface on the underside. The hilt additionally features straight double ricassos, 11 1/2" from tip to tip, a single bar knuckleguard, and a large ball pommel, all with fluted ball tips, and a woven wire pattern grip.
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Condition: Fine, showing scattered pitting and mild handling marks and spotting overall. The outer surfaces show a bright gray patina, with a dark brown patina visible on the sections of ricasso and guard beneath the hilt cup. The blade is straight, and is secured to the hilt in a way that can best be described as "rock solid", highly impressive for a 300 to 400 year old weapon.