Italian Town Sword, Rapier, Mid-17th C

Iron hilt with fluted down-turned shell guard; large scrolled and chiseled reverse quillon and fluted quillon block. Knuckle bow chiseled ensuite, attaching to the pommel with a single screw. Faceted ovoid pommel, chiseled with scroll work and chevrons; large button finial (piece missing from the reverse). Original grip wrap made of twisted iron wire of different sizes (minor losses), with turks heads top and bottom; never having been apart. Old professional brazed repair to the quillon. Double edged diamond-section blade of 40″ (101.6 cm) length with tiny maker’s mark. Shows great age, with light pitting and dark patina. Overall length 46 1/4″ (117.5 cm). Fine and decorative rapier. Provenance: The esteemed Russell Char Collection, Las Vegas.