Rapier
Date1650–1675
Mediumsteel and iron
Dimensions106.7 × 89.5 cm (42 × 35 1/4 in.), 1 lb, 4 oz (weight)
ClassificationsArms and Armor
Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection
Object number2014.328
DescriptionSteel double-edge blade tapering to acute point. Upper 1/5 of blade cut with 3 deep fullers per face, filled with incised decoration & illegible characters due to state of conservation. In this area, blade flattened hexagonal section becoming lozenge section to point. Asymmetrical bivalve shell with recessed panels & incised on outside with grotesque "green-man" faces, running foliation & flora. Inner face decorated with incised folation only. Tall sleeve expanding to its base. Scrolled arms of the hilt. Short thick rear quillon with expanding disk-like terminal having small button. Curved rectangular section knuckle guard swollen at mid-height, upper terminal plugging into lower side of pommel. Hexagonal section pommel flattened in plane of blade & rather oval with short necked base & strong button.
Grip is lost. All hilt elements decorated like shell guard.
ProvenanceGeorge L. Maxwell purchased by John W. Higgins on November 28, 1928 from Anderson Galleries (NY), lot 138. Given to the Museum on July 1, 1954. Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.
On View
Not on viewCollections
about 1600–1650
1800s
