Western Europe, Spain, ca. late 16th to 17th century CE. A handsome carbon steel broad rapier, known as an espada ropera (Spanish) or spada da lato (side sword in Italian). This particular example has a "flame-bladed" edge, also known as a flamberge rapier. The regularly undulating edges are a style designed to cause unpleasant vibrations in an opponent's blade when parried. It has a complex hilt with a long, straight crossbar (quillions). Wood and tightly woven steel are wrapped around the handle. A spherical pommel and curved knuckle guard complete the hilt. One side of the blade is unsharpened - known as a "false edge" - while the other retains the ability to cut - the "true edge". Size: 10.4" W x 39.75" H (26.4 cm x 101 cm)
The spada da lato occupies an iconic position in the history of swords, and its form and usage continues today in the Olympic sport of fencing. It evolved from the medieval arming sword, the classic straight bladed weapon with cruciform hilt, and grew into the rapier of the Early Modern period. The Dardi (Bolognese) school of fencing used this sword, as described in numerous surviving 16th century manuscripts such as Giovanni dall'Agocchie's "Dell'Arte di Scrimia" (1572). Spain, and particularly the city of Toledo, had a reputation for crafting the hardest, deadliest swords in Renaissance Europe.
Provenance: private Glorieta, New Mexico, USA collection
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#149241
Condition
Carbon steel components are in good condition with some areas of patina. The wood and woven steel are worn with some losses to the wood but the forms of the hilt and handle are clear.