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Geoff Freeman
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 Posted: Thu 17 Mar, 2005 4:39 pm Post subject: Strange rapier at the Chicago Art Institute |
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Hi All,
I was at the Chicago Art Institute this afternoon, and had the opportunity to see some of the arms and armor on exhibit in the George F. Harding collection. One piece in particular was a cup-hilted rapier in the Spanish-manner (said the sign beneath the sword), 1650/70, blade Italian, hilt Spanish, steel, iron, wood, collection no. 1982.2147.
What was odd, to me, about this rapier, was the blade shape. It was triangular. From what I could see, it was about 1/2" thick at the cup, and tapered to about 1/8" at the tip. It was about 3/4" wide at the base, and about 1/4" wide at the tip. Best guess, I'd say the blade length was about 36" or so. It appeared to be slightly hollow-ground at the base, but I could not tell if the rest was.
Unfortunately, I didn't think to bring my camera there, so I don't have any pictures.
Has anyone heard of a rapier blade like this one at all? I'm just curious, since I've only ever seen double-edged rapiers.
Thanks!
Geoffrey C. Freeman
Durendal Fencing Club
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Nathan Robinson
myArmoury Admin
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Stephen A. Fisher
Location: Kentucky USA Joined: 17 Oct 2003
Posts: 455
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| Posted: Thu 17 Mar, 2005 4:52 pm Post subject: |
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Hey Geoff,
Here is one of my favorite English rapiers. Owned & grip expertly redone by Eljay Erickson  It also has a blade of triangular cross section.
 Attachment: 32.2 KB
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Geoff Freeman
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| Posted: Thu 17 Mar, 2005 4:53 pm Post subject: |
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| Nathan Robinson wrote: | | Many, if not most, later 17th century Spanish rapiers are triangular with very acute points and often exhibit some sort of hollow-ground "edges". |
Did they?
Oh. I guess I have more reading to do! 
Thanks!
Geoffrey C. Freeman
Durendal Fencing Club
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Nathan Robinson
myArmoury Admin
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Nate C.
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| Posted: Thu 17 Mar, 2005 5:25 pm Post subject: |
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| Stephen A. Fisher wrote: | Hey Geoff,
Here is one of my favorite English rapiers. Owned & grip expertly redone by Eljay Erickson It also has a blade of triangular cross section. |
Gaa! I almost asked if it was a left-hander until I thought "Wait, that's a rapier, not a smallsword  ." It is really weird because you see that kind of blade in smallswords frequently. On the rapier it looks upside down to me.
Cheers,
Nate C.
Sapere Aude
"If you are going to kill the man, at least give him a decent salute." - A. Blansitt
If they ever come up with a Swashbuckling School, I think one of the courses should be Laughing, then Jumping Off Something. --Jack Handy
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