A FINE NORTH ITALIAN RAPIER C.1640-60

Milanese or Brescian. Iron hilt with double shell guards pierced with birds in foliage flanking portrait medallions. The shell edges and knuckle bow with scrolling foliage and ribbed central swells. Portrait medallion to the quillon block. The pommel with two portrait medallions on scrolling foliage ground. Fine copper and brass wire wrapped grip. 36 3/4" blade with fuller at the forte pierced with circles and key slots and stopped with a mark. Flattened diamond section blade with slightly concave edges and four facets to the flats, below the marks. Exceptional condition. The blade crisp with mottled patina. Hilt undoubtedly plated originally.