[A. Spanjer]

How late was the Swept-Hilt Rapier used?

I know that by the 18th century, the rapier had been mostly superseded by the smallsword, with the exception of the cup-hilt in Spanish areas.

My question is this, when did the swept-hilt rapier fall out of use? Both general use and any isolated cases.


Thanks to all!

[Craig Johnson]

That is a tough question as it really comes down to the definition of use. The habit of wearing civilian rapiers in public on a general basis probably was curtailed pretty well by the first quarter of the 18th C. But the study of how to use the sword continued on but was less and less popular for a gentleman to practice. The knowledge of the swords use in the mid 18th C to the beginning of the 20th C. is a mix of traditions, school lineages, and pockets of local use such as the area of the low countries where local schools continued on for quite some time.

Best
Craig

[Robert Rytel]

Specifically swept hilts, most examples I'm aware of were made prior to 1630.