SWEPT HILT RAPIER WITH SHELL GUARD CA.1620

This interesting three ring rapier stylistically belongs to the first third of 17th c.
A feature not usually seen is the scalloped shell guard inset inside the guard and secured to the side-rings with two rivets. The shell has worn through in a couple of areas, the hilt is nicely patinated and carries pinpoint pitting through-out. Blade is 90 cm long, rhomboid, with some light pitting throughout, is maker-marked with four dots arranged in a rhomboid pattern on each side of the recess, and shows signs of prior cleanings. The overall length of the rapier is 110 cm. Egg-shaped pommel is also not often-seen. The sword is solid, with no looseness, the dark brass grip wire wrap is intact, and the sword has a nice balanced feel.