Seven-Ring Rapier

Culture Italian , or

Culture Spanish

Dateabout 1620–1630

Mediumsteel, iron, wood and traces of brass inlay with modern restorations

Dimensions124.5 × 100.3 cm (49 × 39 1/2 in.), 3 lb 5 oz (weight)

ClassificationsArms and Armor

MarkingsBoth fullers have brass-inlaid "running wolf" mark.

Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection

Terms

Object number2014.659

DescriptionLong and robust steel double-edge blade of hollow-ground hexagonal section, becoming flattened hexagonal section at mid-length to point. Fullered to about 1/3 the length of the blade.

Steel hilt of "7-ring" type. Guard is symmetrical consisting of bivalve pierced and engraved plate curved toward hilt, screwed to distal point of 7 welded concentric rings each on obverse & reverse. Lowermost obverse ring has been broken and repaired.

Pair of long quillons recurved in plane of blade & slightly swollen to flattened ends. Curved knuckle guard linked to rings by counterguards. Associated pommel is gently faceted, with engraved decorative bands along medial lines, & tapers toward flattened top with stout button with turned base below. Spiralled wooden grip wrapped in iron wire with pair of "Turk's heads". Pommel & what appears to be modern modifications to blade at ecusson suggest piece has been composited or at least repaired.
ProvenancePurchased by the Museum at the Morosini sale#3986 (October 10-15, 1932) , American Art Association (NYC), lot #515. Paid $20 for lot #515 (including HAM# 1786.2). Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, Janaury 2014.

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