SPANISH DUELING RAPIER, EARLY 18th CENTURY

31 1/2” flattened diamond section blade, deeply fullered at the forte and with maker’s name, at the root, partially obscured by the guard. Gilt brass hilt with deep thickened edge cup, cross guard and diamond section knuckle bow. Wire wrapped grip. See European Weapons and Armour, Oakeshott, Pl.21 example B for a comparable example with a double fullered blade, identified as Spanish C.1710. The hilt with considerable remnants of its original fire gilt gold. Evidence of use includes four strikes to the left side of the cup with results as imaged. The strikes are aligned indicative of defense against disciplined attacks as expected from a well trained opponent. That damage is clearly from blood dueling and attests to the violent history of this weapon.