FRENCH TRANSITIONAL RAPIER C.1710-20

This Is the sword of a French military officer dating to the period of transition from the heavy rapier to the lighter smallsword, in response to changing fighting (fencing) techniques. The use of the rapier and smallsword were based on fencing techniques which evolved largely in Spain and Italy and were widely publicized. In battle or in a duel, popular in both countries, a fractional second misstep made the difference between success and failure, even life and death. This example mounts a 35 5/8” flattened diamond section blade with remnants of scrolling decoration at the forte. The brass hilt modeled with raised bands is heavier than its successors. It comes from Tiverton Castle, Tiverton, Devon, England, sold in the 1980’s. The balance of their weapon collection is still displayed, viewable on the internet, and appears to be all English which would explain the sale of a French sword. This example dates to the War of Spanish Succession, French and Indian War (Seven Years War) and American Revolution, any one of which could explain its presence in an English Castle armory.