Arms & Armor Milanese Rapier
Original: Circa 1570
This rapier is based after an original in the Museo Poldi Pezzoli in Milan, Italy. This recreation is named after the city in which that original resides. It can be considered an early form of the rapier that was well suited to the cut, which is often referred to as a
spada da lato ("side sword").
This sword is typically sold with blackened fittings, but I opted to have polished steel fittings instead so as to have something a little different. The checkered relief pattern is very attractive. The sword handles with a good amount of authority. It does not feel light in the hand compared to some other swords, yet that seems to add to the feeling of precision when cutting or thrusting, as if the sword wants to fall right into place.
See our
hands-on review for more information on this sword.
Overall length: 43"
Weight: 2.9 pounds
Width of guard: 9.5"
Blade: 35.5" long; 1.25" wide below ricasso
Ricasso length: 1.5"
Grip length: 3.25"
Point of Balance (PoB): 5" from guard
Center of Percussion (CoP): ~23.25" from guard
Maker:
Arms & Armor of Minnesota.
Inspired by many historic originals, such as this antique Milanese rapier, Circa 1560.
Inspired by many historic originals, such as this antique Milanese rapier, Circa 1560.
Open a printer-friendly version of this page
