A FINE FRENCH RAPIER C.1650

Full relief chiseled iron hilt for swords and daggers became fashionable throughout Europe from South to North. The products of the Brescian workshops are well known and in Northern Europe, Gottfried Leygebe of Nuremberg produced work of such distinction that it is instantly recognizable despite the fact that he signed but a single example. This example was produced in France following the fashion. The pommel and guard are chiseled with major panels depicting warriors including one clearly female and another with his foot cut off. Secondary panels depict weapons and armor. The quillon block is particularly well detailed with a naked figure, perhaps a Moor, sitting on his armor. The reverse is a display of Eastern arms, probably Ottoman. Compare to M.659-1910 in the Victoria and Albert Museum identified as French, about 1655. Illustrated in European Swords, Victorian & Albert Museum, Anthony North. 36 3/4" length blade.