[Dmitry Z~G]

From the 'bits and pieces' section of my meager collection.
Stylistically I would date it ca.1580-1620. It's 55 mm. long, and weighs a respectable 146 gr.
I see it originally on a swept hilt rapier, or a similarly hilted sword.
Your thoughts and impressions?

[Nathan Robinson]

I'm no expert, but my opinion is that because it's flattened at the ends (squared), it places it later in the 16th century and into the early 17th century. I'd say 1590-1630. The more rounded/ bulbous examples are earlier, perhaps 1550-1630 or so.

All things considered, in particular that it's not oval in section and that the top and bottom are squared, I'll take a guess that this form dates post-1600.

[Dmitry Z~G]

Thank you for your reply! I'm leafing through my books in search of a similar example.
I'm still amazed at how heavy it is, taking into account its size.