Gilded Pappenheimer Rapier, ca. 1630

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$5,495.00

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Elegant symmetrical hilt fashioned of forged rectangular-section iron bars showing lamination; featuring horizontally recurved quillons with small button finials. Emanating from the quillons are a series of interconnected looping bars, enclosing an integral round plate on each side pierced with holes framed by an incised double diamond. Faceted pear-shaped pommel with button; later grip with two sizes of twisted iron wire and turks heads top and bottom. Diamond-section 38" Spanish blade deeply stamped with a different mark on each side of the ricasso (see photos). Guard with expert restorations and the gilding retouched. Overall length 44 3/4". Swedish King Gustavus Adolphus was carrying a gilded pappenheimer when he was killed at the Battle of Lutzen in 1632. This sword was surely carried by a cavalry officer during the Thirty Years War.