Splendid Gilt Italian Half Basket Hilt Military Rapier Circa 1675

32 and 1/2 stout double edged rapier blade with long central fuller. The fullers stamped with letters and cabalistic symbols. The bronze hilt of three branches with beautiful cast and chased guard depicting Minerva amid an exceptionally well rendered trophy of arms. The large pommel cast and chased in the form of a moor’s head with a headband.

Condition of the blade is excellent. The hilt with 60% original gilding. One old stress crack where the guard meets the ricasso. This is a really spectacular and unusual sword which will delight the most jaded collector of 17th century European swords.