A GERMAN DISH HILT RAPIER C.1660

The decline of the use of armor in response to the increased use of firearms resulted in fighting techniques which relied on agility and lighter weapons.  The thrust became an effective attack and rapiers became smaller with hilts relying primarily on a frontal plate or pair of plates.  This example is a dish hilt rapier in its later form.  Its brass hilt was undoubtedly overlaid in gold originally.  Its single thickened edge oval dish guard is decorated in oak foliage.  The diamond section blade is substantial enough to penetrate the protective doublets of the day.   It is well preserved with two distinct sword impacts to the shell.

Blade length:  33 5/8”  

Provenance:  The collection of the Prince of Liechtenstein at Schloss Vaduz.

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