3510 LATE 16th TO EARLY 17th CENTURY STYLE EUROPEAN

Category Firearms & Military
Auction Currency USD
Start Price 10,000.00 USD
Estimated at 20,000.00 - 30,000.00 USD
STEEL-HILTED RAPIER WITH MATCHING SILVER-HILTED MAIN GAUCHE DAGGER. 1) SWORD: Overall length: 48 3/4". Blade length: 42 1/4". This exceptional rapier and main gauche pair are produced in a style of the 16th to 17th century. It is apparent on close examination that they were likely made in the early to mid-19th century. They are, nevertheless, exemplary products of the armorer’s art. The sword has a 6-sided rapier blade with a 7” central fuller near the hilt. The chiseled engraving in the fuller appears to read “X .X .L.A.M.E .E.R.T.E.N.G.C.X.X.X. .” on one side and “X.X.L.A.N.B.E.R.T.E.N.G.C..X.X.X. .” on the other. The carved steel hilt has a 7 3/4" crossguard with pinecone or pineapple-like quillons. The looped guard also has pinecone/pineapple quillons joined in the center. There are three appendages extending downward from the guard that also are terminated in the same manner. The pommel is a single, large, 2” x 1 1/2” pinecone/pineapple. The grip area is carved steel in the shape of knots reminiscent of a Celtic form. No scabbard. CONDITION: the blade has a light to medium gray patina and shows minimal wear. The hilt has a medium gray patina and also shows minimal wear. 2) MAIN GAUCHE. Overall length: 13”. Blade length: 8 1/2". This matching main gauche has a triangular blade reminiscent of an artillerist’s dagger. The non-magnetic hilt is silver or silver-plating. The guard shares the exact same form as the sword, with all appendages having pinecone/pineapple finials. The pommel is also in the shape of a large pinecone or pineapple. The pierced grip is of knotted form, also reminiscent of Celtic designs. No sheath. UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: a looseleaf binder with information about the pair and where they were found at Skokloster Castle in Sweden. CONDITION: blade has a medium gray, lightly mottled patina with minor bending at the tip. The hilt shows light overall wear. (02-21731/BF). $20,000-30,000.