It's been a while since I posted anything.
I won this cup-hilt rapier at an art and antiques auction this week. It was described as a 19th/20th century example. Judging from the photos of the blade of this rapier, I made an offer on it because the blade seems much older to me. Today I picked it up and finally had the chance to see it in person. Although this type of weapon falls outside my comfort zone, I can only conclude that it is a strange case. The length is the first thing you notice. The total length is 144 centimeters, the length of the blade is 118 centimeters! That is, as far as I can tell, very long for a rapier. At the very base it is 42 mm wide and 7mm thick.
It is decorated with figures and has a fuller of 33 centimeters. The blade is hand forged and there are a few superficial cracks visible. In general the blade is still reasonably sharp. However, the point is round, but it is of course possible that it has been adjusted at some point.
The cup is also strange. It is hand-forged, the traces of hammering are clearly visible on the inside. It is decorated with chiseled figures. On one side an angel-like figure and an eagle. On the other side something that looks like a coat of arms and an unknown figure. The last two are inlaid with copper wire or something similar, the other two figures still show remnants of the same material under a magnifying glass. One of the arms attached to the inside of the cup once came loose and was repaired with a screw and nut.
Who knows what this is? Is it really a 19th century copy or is it somewhat older?
Attachment: 189.58 KB[ Download ]
Attachment: 145.22 KB[ Download ]
Attachment: 80.29 KB[ Download ]
Attachment: 136.85 KB[ Download ]
Attachment: 185.4 KB[ Download ]
Attachment: 177.48 KB[ Download ]
Attachment: 118.28 KB[ Download ]
Attachment: 105.09 KB[ Download ]
Attachment: 176.29 KB[ Download ]
Attachment: 106.18 KB[ Download ]