Hi everyone,
I was wondering if anyone could shed some light on the development of the rapier into the small-sword in the late 17th and early 18th centuries. I have heard rapiers being called 'transitional', which share some of the charicteristics of both a rapier and a small-sword (hilt and blade). If anyone has any pictures of 'transitional' rapiers it would be ideal.

All the best,
Martin

Hello!

This is an interesting question and I'm not aware of anyone having answered it unequivocally yet. But then, it's like all the other questions about evolution of weapons or armor, there is always an important speculative part...

I recently came across these posts in another forum, and they are the most clear answer I've ever read. Basically, the idea is that as the rapier was used in less demanding situations, it was able to evolve into the small-sword.

As for transitional rapiers, I don't know much about them... However, there is a review here at myArmoury, of a recreation of a transitional rapier, that can give you an idea of the general aspect.

Regards