Dish-Hilt Rapier

Culture German , or

Culture English

Datemid-1600s

Mediumsteel and iron

Dimensions109.2 × 92.7 cm (43 × 36 1/2 in.), 1 lb, 6 oz (weight)

ClassificationsArms and Armor

Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection

Terms

Object number2014.301

DescriptionSteel double-edge diamond-section blade acutely tapering to point. Cut down along edges in forte which has traces of figural etching. Flat dish-like guard pierced & chased with repeated ascendant leaved motifs radiating from center. Strong short sleeve with pair of short quillons recurved at right angles to plane of blade with swollen bud-like terminals. "D"-shaped flat knuckle guard with spherical swelling at mid-height & linked at base by open ring similarly swollen & linked to rear quillon. Flattened covered bowl-like pommel with strong button & short base. End of knuckle guard plugs into lower side of pommel. Hilt carved with scrollwork & floral decoration with striated bars. Modern spiralled grip wrapped in plain iron wire with narrow iron ferrules at end. Blade & hilt perhaps associated.
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#1786.1). Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.

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