While at the Schola St. George event in June 2003, I was able to handle the DT5164 at Art Elwell's table. I was very impressed with this piece at its price point. Luckily (for my wallet), somebody else purchased Art's sample, as I would have been compelled to bring it home for myself.

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Left: Del Tin 5164; Right: Authentic sword on which it is based

Anyway. I'm curious if there are any members out there that have purchased or handled this piece. If so, what are your impressions? Do you have stats and measurements for this sword?

Interestingly, Del Tin classifies this sword as an "Early Spanish Rapier" but the authentic example is cataloged as a Venetian side sword; which is also how I'd classify it.

Thanks much.

The arms-of-the-hilt design certainly stops one from holding the sword backwards.

Going by the pictures, that sure is a faithful replica.

I plan to get one, but it won't arrive until March next year. There's something about it that I like - perhaps it is the fact that it doesn't look like most other swords on the repro market.