Arms & Armor Dresden Rapier
Original: Circa 1590, Saxon (Dresden), Victoria and Albert Museum, London
Carried as a personal weapon by the bodyguard of Christian I (1586-1591), Elector of Saxony. The hilt was probably constructed in Dresden. The blade has the Milan town mark on the original, but this is fairly certain to be a German forgery.
Though called a
rapier by the maker, the blade is wider at the hilt than most rapiers and could be classified as a broadsword blade. Extremely heavy rapiers such as this were often used as cavalry side arms.
The hilt is finished with a wavy chiseled pattern in blackened steel. The fore ring is filled with a pierced plate. The grip is wire bound.
This matched set has a black leather scabbard and matching
parrying dagger with by-knife.
Overall length: 45"
Weight: 3.7 pounds
Width of guard: 8"
Blade: 37" long below finger rings; 1.75" wide tapering to .5"
Grip and pommel: 5.5"
Point of Balance (PoB): 4" from guard
Center of Percussion (CoP): ~21" from guard
Maker:
Arms & Armor of Minnesota.
Inspired by an original located in the Victoria and Albert Museum, London (Cat. No. M34).
This item has been retired from the collection.
Inspired by an original located in the Victoria and Albert Museum, London (Cat. No. M34).
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