Fine Quality Chiseled Hilt German Transitional Rapier Circa 1635

32 and 3/4 inch stout diamond shape blade with short single fuller. Fullers engraved with scrolls bordering deeply carved “JESUS” and “MARIA”. The blade patinated with light staining. Steel hilt deeply chiseled. The lobate guard chiseled with scrolls and leaves. The ricasso chiseled ensuite. The D-guard chiseled at the apex. The ovoid steel pommel chiseled with baskets of flowers.

This transitional rapier appears homogenous and never dismounted. The original grip of twisted steel wire is a work of the sword maker’s art in its own right. Transitional rapiers are the bridge between the true rapier and the small sword and of signal importance in any collection of European edged weapons.

This is a fine example of the type and remains in good overall condition after nearly 4 centuries.