18th C. European Steel Cup-Hilt Rapier
Similar Sale History
View More Items in Weapons & ArmorRelated Weapons & Armor
More Items in European Weapons & Armor
View MoreRecommended Collectibles
View MoreItem Details
Description
Europe, probably Spain or Italy, ca. 18th to early 19th century CE. An elegant weapon from a simpler time, a rapier with a cup-hilt. The globe-shaped pommel has two incised motifs that seem likely to be personal marks of the owner: one the bust of an angel with wings spread, and the other a floral outline that could be part of a crest or family arms. The handle is wrapped in braided steel above the cup. Two crosspieces curve around the handle and the hilt, terminating in distinct round tips. The blade is relatively long for a rapier (suggesting a tall owner) and ends in a sharp point. The fuller (sometimes called a "blood gutter") has an incised series of letters that are somewhat difficult to read from age - they may read "CC P(?) O CC P C". The letters and the incised designs on the pommel have the remains of a pale red pigment in their grooves. Size: 6.9" W x 48" H (17.5 cm x 121.9 cm); length of blade: 40.25" (102.2 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 mostly a ceremonial weapon, 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 Kavet Collection, Massachusets, USA
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
We ship worldwide to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
#121588
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 mostly a ceremonial weapon, 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 Kavet Collection, Massachusets, USA
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
We ship worldwide to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
#121588
Condition
Light tarnish and patina, with expected age wear to handle and blade. Small tear to steel of bell immediately above where it encloses the blade. Hilt is slightly loose from blade.
Buyer's Premium
- 24.5%
18th C. European Steel Cup-Hilt Rapier
Estimate $2,500 - $3,500
5 bidders are watching this item.
Shipping & Pickup Options
Item located in Louisville, CO, usSee Policy for Shipping
Payment
TOP