European Shell Guard Rapier, First Half 17th C

Featuring 33″ (83.8 cm) double-edged blade of lens section with twin central full-length fullers, stamped “XIHSX” on both sides in the fullers. Iron hilt with two upturned side rings, each filled with a pierced and embossed shell guard. Decorative chiseled quillon block, reverse quillon with chiseled spherical finial, forward scroll quillon, and knuckle bow with central knob chiseled ensuite. Ovoid pommel with large button, chiseled with human figures, beasts, and grotesque masks in low relief. Wood grip with alternating single-strand and twisted iron wire wrap, and finished with Turks heads top and bottom. Metal with light pitting and rust marking, with gunmetal gray patina; shell guard loose. Overall length 40 1/2″ (103 cm). Unique and attractive rapier. Probably German or Italian. Provenance: The prestigious Russell Char Collection, Las Vegas.