Gentlemen;

I'm looking for a good quality sword-rapier, c. 1585, with a swept hilt. Can anybody recommend a bladesmith who has or can make one? Price range - $1,000 - $1,500

Thanks in advance for your help.

Hi Peter,
In that price range, Arms & Armor would be my favorite choice. By "sword-rapier" I assume you mean a rapier with a blade wide enough to be considered a standard sword but with a complex hilt? (The so called "spada di lato" or sidesword)

http://www.arms-n-armor.com/rapier121.html

http://www.arms-n-armor.com/rapier162.html (one of my favorite swords that I own, by the way)

http://www.arms-n-armor.com/rapier111.html

A little early for your period, but:
http://www.arms-n-armor.com/rapier212.html

A little late for your period:
http://www.arms-n-armor.com/rapier164.html

Would these be considered similar to what you have posted, Bill?

The A&A Saxon Military Sword or Town Guard Sword (this one is a bit later than 1585).

Peter,

I've owned several of the swords already mentioned and I think A&A would be an excellent choice. They offer several models that should work for you.

Gents;

Thank you for your input and suggestions. However, most of the swords you've mentioned do not have swept hilts, which is essential. Also, the weapon I'm looking for cannot be any newer than 1590. To give you an idea of what I need, have a look at #113 and 114 in Claude Blair's "European and American Arms. I may have to go with a custom made sword, since I would like a plain steel hilt, so I can blue and gild it.

I'll have a look at A&A's website.

Thanks again for you assistance.

I don'tknow who made the swords for them but Arma Bohemia has beautiful models

http://armabohemia.cz/Novestr/rapiersA.htm

You may wish to have a look at Scott Wilson's wares @ Darkwood Armory too.


Bill

Peter,
It looks like Vladimir Cervenka makes some nice looking rapiers from the late 16th century. I think that there might be some reviews of his products here on myArmoury. Also, Phoenix Metal Creations make very nice looking rapiers.

Jonathan

You might want to try Dennis Graves of No Quarter Arms. Dennis has been producing early and later period rapiers for a long time. He has a pretty good understanding of the dynamics involved that make a rapier what it is. But be prepared to spend some time on the phone with him, he likes to talk things over with the client and really get a feel for your likes and needs.

http://www.noquarterarms.com/index.html

Jim Holczer
Student – Umbs School of Fence/Martinez Academy of Arms

Thank you gentlemen, for your assistance. I had a look at A&A's Calvalier Rapier, and it seems to be what I'm looking for. I'll contact them for further information.

Sincerely,

Peter Fuller

Peter-
Another thing to consider is that A&A will do custom work. Further, and perhaps more appropriate for this project, they will customize a catalog piece of theirs to suit you needs.