NORTH EUROPEAN/GERMAN RAPIER C.1660

34" double-edged blade with broad fuller at the forte. One side marked V I E V L ^o V T by an illiterate craftsman and the other engraved with a whimsical elongated version of the running wolf mark with a snail or slug head, flanked by Xs. Iron hilt with double ring guards, the right with a pierced and engraved plate with a central trophy of arms. Foliate decoration to the ring, knuckle guard, and pommel. Fine wire wrapped grip. Most original finish throughout with glossy brown patina.