A Good Early 17th Century European Pappenheimer Rapier

A Good Antique Early 17th Century European Pappenheimer Rapier.  33.5" double-edged blade with visible remnants of decorative etching, (rust pitted from age and has a dark black patina).  Symmetrical steel hilt formed of flattened and rounded bars, comprising a pair of squared quillons.  Outer ring-guard.  Lower ring-guard fitted with (2) sprung-in plates pierced with a series of stars, quatrefoils and circles (one with old repairs, see photos), a pair of arms and knuckle-guard.  Ovoid pommel, fluted on one side.  The rapier retains the remains of the wood grip and twisted wire wrap with "Turks Heads", (missing pieces).  42.5" overall.  No scabbard.

NOTE:  The grip can be restored.  There are (2) wood shims in place at the junction where the blade and guard meet to minimize movement (see photos).

TTI-562421

Some History:  Both mounted cavalry and men on foot favored this form of sword during the height of the Thirty Years’ War (1618–48). The large guard fitted with pierced plates protected the user’s hand from heavy cuts and thrusts. The weapon is often termed a Pappenheimer rapier after the German Count Gottfried Heinrich zu Pappenheim, an imperial field marshal during the conflict.