Rapier

Artistblade possibly Johannes Knecht (German, Solingen)

Culturehilt Spanish

Datelate 1600s-1700s

Mediumsteel and iron with restored wooden grip

Dimensions120 × 102.9 cm (47 1/4 × 40 1/2 in.), 1 lb, 14 oz (weight)

ClassificationsArms and Armor

Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection

Terms

Object number2014.346

DescriptionSteel double-edge narrow blade, flattened hexagonal section in forte becoming elliptical acutely tapering to point. Both faces of forte with central pointed fuller between pair of narrow incised lines. Both fullers terminate with anchor-like cross mark.

Iron solid cup with outwardly turned edge. Secured by rivets to pair of very small arms of the hilt. Long thin crossguard resting in recesses on cup lip & straight to bugle-head swollen terminals. "C"-shaped knuckle guard with mid-height swelling & terminal.

Restored wooden grip wrapped with twisted & plain wire tapering towards ends with "Turk's heads". Inverted flattened conical pommel without button & with tall turned base.

Except for having been dissasembled in past, components appear to belong together.
Label TextBy the 1600s, rapiers were becoming longer and thinner, and swordsmen emphasized the thrust over the cut. The evolving style of swordplay required less protection for the side of the hand, but more protection from thrusts coming along the blade. The cup-hilt rapier was designed to provide this type of protection. It was especially fashionable in Spain, where it would continue in use into the 1800s, long after the rapier had been abandoned in most other parts of Europe. This example bears the mark of a blademaker of the Solingen family of Knecht. ProvenancePurchased by Museum from Parke-Bernet Galleries, Inc. (NYC) on November 25, 1953, sale no. 1473, lot 78. Price of $75 for lot included HAM#s 3044 and 3045. Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.

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