Arms & Armor Gustav Vasa Rapier
Original: Circa 1550, German Hilt, blade possibly Swedish, Royal Armory, Stockholm
This beautiful rapier is based on the personal weapon of King Gustavus Vasa (1494-1560) of Sweden who led the Swedish independence from the Danish king. It represents a good example of an early style of rapier designed for the cut and the thrust.
While the original hilt consisted of darkened steel gilt with gold-plated engraved silver, this replica is blackened steel with polished elements. Lion heads stand prominent at the ends of each engraved quillon, while a plaque representing the head of Medusa rests upon each of the side rings. The polished steel pommel is engraved and rests upon a blackened octagonal base. The grip is wrapped with two strands of twisted black wire alternating with a single silver strand.
Has a black leather scabbard.
See our
hands-on review for more details and our
featured article on the actual rapier Gustavus Vasa.
Overall length: 44.625"
Weight: 2.9 pounds
Width of guard: 10"
Blade: 37.5" long below finger rings; 1.25" wide tapering to .625"
Grip and pommel: 4.75"
Point of Balance (PoB): 3.75" from guard
Center of Percussion (CoP): ~24" from guard
Maker:
Arms & Armor of Minnesota.
This item has been retired from the collection.
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