A Fine And Rare German Rapier With Chiselled And Gilt Hilt Circa 1600, Probably Saxon With bright tapering double-edged blade of flattened hexagonal section with central fuller over nearly its entire length on both sides, the fuller at the forte incised respectively '·S·E·B· ·A·S·T· ·I·A·N' and 'H·E·R· ·N·A·N· ·D·E·Z' between further pellet marks, rectangular ricasso silver-damascened with flowering scrolling foliage and retaining its original leather cover (old damage), hilt of flattened bars retaining some original gilding and comprising recurved quillions each charmingly chiselled on the outside in bas-relief with acanthus and with human mask terminal, a pair of upcurved bars on the outside chiselled en suite and linked together by an arched bar, downcurved side-ring above chiselled with foliage en suite and with central oval framing Leda and the Swan, downbent arms, bifurcated inner-guard swept-up to join the forward quillon, large globular pommel chiselled on each side with a naked figure in an oval between satyr masks, one figure with a bird to his left, tang button, and writhen grip bound with twisted steel wire between Turks' heads (3) 106.5 cm. blade Footnotes: Provenance The Saxon Royal Armouries, Dresden The Liechtenstein Collection American Art Association Inc., New York, European Arms and Armor, Mainly XV. XVI & XVII Centuries, Including Artistic and Rare Specimens from Princely Provenience [Liechtenstein], 19-20 November 1926, lot 275 (copies of the 1926 and 1928 sale catalogues in modern bindings are included with the lot) This lot is subject to the following lot symbols: * * VAT on imported items at a preferential rate of 5% on Hammer Price and the prevailing rate on Buyer's Premium. For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com For further information about this lot please visit the lot listing