1043

Gold and Silver Damascened 17th Century English Swept Hilt Rapier, as Documented in Blair's "Europea

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:1,000.00 USD Estimated At:2,500.00 - 4,000.00 USD
Gold and Silver Damascened 17th Century English Swept Hilt Rapier, as Documented in Blair's  Europea
Blade measures 34" in length, with single fullers on the main body of the blade, engraved with animals flanked by crosses, with triple ricassos on the gold floral scroll damascened ricasso. The guard is outfitted with a pair of turned quillions, a single side ring on the left, double side ring on the right, and a pair of diagonal crossguards connecting the rings and knuckleguard, all with gold scroll damascene, subtle border ribbing, and a raised silver finished bust with scroll patterned framing on multiple components. Smooth wood grip, with the large ball pommel accented with a pair of silver busts, gold damascened, and divided into six panels with silver border lines. This blade is pictured as Plate 128 in "European & American Arms" by Claude Blair, where it is described as an early 17th Century product, with the busts being of Roman emperors, and the sword itself as being from the collection of E. Valentine, Esq..
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Condition: Fine, showing pitting and a mixed brown and gray patina on the blade, with 50% of the original gold finish on the ricasso and a few dings and chips. The hilt is fine, with a bust absent from the right sidering and over 45% of the original gold, strongest in the protected areas, and a fine dark patina on the silver. A few tiny chips and cracks are visible on the grip, which is slightly loose. A small bend is visible in the blade near the tip, and the guard and pommel are tightly fitted.