Bidspirit auction | Swept Hilt Rapier with Shell

Swept Hilt Rapier with Shell Guard - Straight, double-edged balde of diamond cross section having narrow central fullers. Marked on the both sides of the ricasso ”SOMIS?”. Iron hilt of diamond cross section fluted bars featuring S-shaped quillons, three concentric rings extending upward from its base and forming the outer guard, the largest ring with a bar joining at the middle of the knuckle bow. The opening inside the smallest ring is covered by a pierced shell-shaped plate attached with two screws. Fluted triangular quillon block on both sides. Vertically-ribbed grip bound with twisted iron wire between Turk’s heads. Spherical pommel fluted en suite. Probably Italy circa 1620, length 129 cm. Condition 2+