Gilded Pappenheimer Rapier, ca. 1630

Description

Elegant symmetrical hilt fashioned of forged rectangular-section iron bars showing
lamination; featuring horizontally recurved quillons with small button finials. Emanating
from the quillons are a series of interconnected looping bars, enclosing an integral round
plate on each side pierced with holes framed by an incised double diamond. Faceted
pear-shaped pommel with button; later grip with two sizes of twisted iron wire and turks
heads top and bottom. Diamond-section 38″ Spanish blade deeply stamped with a
different mark on each side of the ricasso (see photos). Guard with expert restorations
and the gilding retouched. Overall length 44 3/4″. Swedish King Gustavus Adolphus was
carrying a gilded pappenheimer when he was killed at the Battle of Lutzen in 1632. This
sword was surely carried by a cavalry officer during the Thirty Years War.