AUCTIONS IMPERIAL 2023 MAY
Lot 182:
Description
Spanish or Portuguese work, an example unique in our experience. The advent of the rapier heralded entirely new techniques throughout Europe in which thrusting with the point of the blade were central to its use. Typified in the 16th century by long, usually narrow blades, by the early 17th century, rapier blades had in some regions, attained extraordinary lengths even for the type. In others, they remained a traditional, more manageable length. These later, longer blades served to increase the users reach substantially. Here, an inventive swordsmith has created a weapon with a blade which could meet the challenge of such excessively long weapons by equaling their length, thus nullifying an opponents advantage. Following a duel, it could be returned to normal proportions once again. The smith has accomplished this by means of an ingenious mechanism in which the hilt was fitted with a sturdy yet elegant steel sleeve of a diameter which matches that of the blade. The base of the blade was wrought with a corresponding sprung lever mechanism which allows it to fit up into the sleeve for approximately one third its length, where it was held in place by friction. Thus, when the hilt was flicked smartly with the wrist, the blade slid swiftly down the channel and locked into place, extending its length substantially. The process could be reversed by depressing the lock stud and sliding the blade back up into the sleeve. The rim of the cup, quillons and knucklebow wrought of integral bars formed as twigs, the deep cup with plates elaborately pierced in geometrical motifs, the faceted pommel of classic form, the wooden grip with cord wrap. Double-edged tapering blade with a narrow central fuller signed, JOHAN BONITUI EN ALAMANIA (JOHN BONITUI IN GERMANY) and on the reverse the motto, MI SINAL ES EL NOMEN IESU (MY SIGN IS IN THE NAME OF JESUS.) The hilt is set with a blade fits into First half of the 17th century. Grip wrap replaced in its working life. Minor depressions to guard, areas of light pitting, age darkening. The makers name suggests a Basque origin. The last photo below shows a rapier in a German collection in which a swordsmith has overcome the problem of length in a similar manner. Please note that it is not part of this lot and is not included with it. Overall length extended 140cm. Condition III
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