Fantastic rapier, Dresden, 1604.

Carried as a personal weapon by the bodyguard of Christian I (1586-1591), Elector of Saxony. The hilt was probably constructed in Dresden. The blade has the Milan town mark on the original, but this is fairly certain to be a German forgery.

Though called a rapier by the maker, the blade is wider at the hilt than most rapiers and could be classified as a broadsword blade. Extremely heavy rapiers such as this were often used as cavalry side arms.

The hilt is finished with a wavy chiseled pattern in blackened steel. The fore ring is filled with a pierced plate. The grip is wire bound.

This matched set has a black leather scabbard and matching parrying dagger with by-knife.

Overall length: 45″
Weight: 3.7 pounds
Width of guard: 8″
Blade: 37″ long below finger rings; 1.75″ wide tapering to .5″
Grip and pommel: 5.5″
Point of Balance (PoB): 4″ from guard
Center of Percussion (CoP): ~21″ from guard

Maker: Arms & Armor of Minnesota.