A Fine Swept-Hilt Rapier

A Fine Swept-Hilt Rapier Early 17th Century With associated sharply tapering blade of flattened hexagonal section changing to flattened diamond towards the point and with narrow central fuller on each face of the forte stamped respectively 'Francisco' and 'Ruis En Toledo', recessed rectangular ricasso etched and gilt (gilding rubbed) with strapwork and struck on one face with a stag in a rectangle under 'S', and on the other with 'P' in a shield, iron guard of flattened bars comprising two rings on the outside, three diagonal curved bars merging into one on the inside, arms, single long rear quillon, the downturned end with flat ovoidal terminal, knuckle-guard with similar terminal, these last and oval panels in the centre of the cross, knuckle-guard and outer-rings supported by pairs of pierced scrolls, and chiselled with equestrian combat scenes in high relief, and single Classical figures, the remaining surfaces, except the inner bars, chased with conventional foliage against punched granular grounds, barrel-shaped pommel encircled by a central recessed band chiselled with an equestrian battle scene with pierced scrollwork above and below, and later spirally-grooved wooden grip bound with plaited iron and white-metal wire between Turk's heads 109 cm. blade Footnotes: Provenance Count Mgowo Collection Brett Collection, Christie's, 18 to 22 and 25 March, 1895, lot 643 (with different blade and grip) Christie's South Kensington, Antique Arms and Armour, 19 September 1990, lot 42 Per T. Norheim Collection Literature E.J. Brett, A Pictorial and Descriptive record of... Arms and Armour, 1894, pl. LXIII, fig. I 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