Western Europe, Spain, Toledo, ca. 19th century. An elegant, double-edged carbon-steel rapier with a long blade and an ornate hilt. Upon the fuller (sometimes called the "blood gutter") is the makers' mark: "F A D TOLEDO". The hilt is comprised of a discoid pommel, an ovoid handle with a braided-wire design, curved sweepings that end in distinct round tips, slender finger guards, and a clam shell guard. The blade is relatively long for a rapier (suggesting a tall owner) and ends in a sharp point. Toledo has been famous for its swords since the Roman period, and the forging process developed in Toledo ensured that steel weapons would be simultaneously extremely hard and flexible. This sword undoubtably was valued for its strength and durability. Size: 6.25" W x 43.5" H (15.9 cm x 110.5 cm); Length of blade: 37.25" L (94.6 cm)

The cup-hilt style, designed to provide further protection to the sword hand, was invented in Spain in the mid-1600s. A rapier like this one would have been a ceremonial weapon for the most part, used not on the battlefield but instead at court and other elite institutions to demonstrate the social standing of its owner, who would have worn it sheathed on the belt. It may have been brought out to defend its wearer's honor, using one of the multiple schools of rapier fencing practiced in both Spain and Italy. As a single handed-weapon, the wearer would likely pair the rapier with a dagger or other small weapon.

Provenance: private Glorieta, New Mexico, USA collection

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#162725

"F A D TOLEDO" inscribed on side. Intact and excellent with nice russet patina.