Fencing Rapiers from Medieval Collectables

The Rapier was popular in the late 16th and early 17th century. The rapier was a dueling weapon whose form was developed from cut and thrust swords. Its use was more brutal and forceful than the light sport fencing that we know of today. Originally, starting about 1470, any civilian sword was often referred to as simply a "rapier", but it quickly took on the meaning of a slender, civilian thrusting sword. There is also an English document from the 1500's that uses the term "rapier-sword" for advising courtiers how to be armed, indicating the understanding that there were new slender blades coming into civilian use. Eventually developing into an edgeless, ideal thrusting weapon, the quick, innovative rapier superseded the military cut and thrust sword for personal duel and urban self-defense. Being capable of making only limited lacerations, earlier varieties of the rapier are still often confused with the cut and thrust swords which gave gestation to their method. As a civilian weapon of urban self-defense, a true rapier was a tip-based thrusting sword that used stabbing and piercing, not slashing and cleaving. True rapier blades ranged from early flatter triangular blades to thicker, narrow hexagonal ones. Rapier hilts range from swept styles, to later dishes and cups. It had no true cutting edge such as with military swords for war.

17th Century Italian Rapier Item # 501227 A beautifully executed 17th Century rapier with a very complex hilt and faceted pommel. The grip is hand wound with silver plated wire with woven wire rings top and bottom. This type of sword was deadly effective as a dueling weapon. Price:  $285.00 On Sale For: $255.00	Antiqued Gustay Rapier Item # SH2206N The Gustav Rapier and Main Gauche replicate weapons used by King Gustav Adolf II, who ruled Sweden in the early part of the 17th century. The shell guard of the rapier is unusual but effective. Price:  $264.96
Antiqued Solingen Rapier Item # SH2205N Our Solingen Rapier and matching Main Gauche exhibit the 'blade-catcher' style of quillons used throughout northern Europe. Available in both bright and antiqued versions, both of these pieces will accept the 'Practical' sparring blades. Price:  $264.96	Antiqued Torino Rapier Item # SH2204N Based on models of 17th century swept-hilt rapiers of Italian ancestry, our Torino Rapier and matching Main Gauche exhibit the classic straight crossguard styling popular in this part of Europe. Price:  $264.96
Classic Deux Rapier Item # ED2070 A traditional circa 1600-1700 broadsword rapier with the classic flair of the originals. With a quality hand forged steel blade that couples the beauty and curves of swept quillions with a leather grip. This rapier is functional and is fit for combat. Price:  $178.60	Colichemarde Sword Item # 07-88CLMS True to form, our blade mirrors the original design concepts with an extra long and wide forte that abruptly tapers down to an acute and deadly point. The hilt features a decorative, yet highly functional, double shell guard, complete with finger loops. Price:  $449.95
Deschaux Rapier Item # 500862 With its graceful, artistic lines, the rapier has always been a romantic symbol of the Renaissance. The reality is that the rapier is a very deadly hand-to-hand combat weapon, perfectly suited for the swift moves of the duelists of the day. Price:  $265.00 On Sale For: $235.00	Fencing Rapier Musketeer Blade Item # SH1032 Fencing in the Renaissance style plays a prominent part in historical re-enactment, combining the quickness of light blades with the structure and spirit of the duel. Price:  $196.80
Fencing Rapier Schlaeger Blade Item # SH1032B Fencing in the Renaissance style plays a prominent part in historical re-enactment, combining the quickness of light blades with the structure and spirit of the duel. Price:  $196.80	Florentine Rapier Item # 501140 This is certainly a handsome rapier. The shells of the guards have been taken to the literal sense. The quillions are long for added protection and the entire hilt has been given a beautiful aged look. The blades are from well tempered high carbon steel. Price:  $295.00 On Sale For: $260.00
Grantham Rapier Item # 500958 This beautiful swept-hilt rapier has a blackened hilt and shell guard with an intricate floral design. The grip is wire over wood and the pommel is large enough to balance a blade that is capable of delivering a cut as well as a thrust. Price:  $285.00 On Sale For: $250.00	Gustay Rapier Item # SH2206 The Gustav Rapier and Main Gauche replicate weapons used by King Gustav Adolf II, who ruled Sweden in the early part of the 17th century. The shell guard of the rapier is unusual but effective. Price:  $235.20
Hutton Sabre Item # SH2201 One of the rapidly growing arts within historical fencing societies is that of sabre fencing in the late 19th century Italian style, originating with fencing masters who were employed to train mounted troops in the effective use of the military sabre. Price:  $137.28	Musketeer Rapier Item # 500784 The musket, though the prime weapon of the French Musketeers, was a cumbersome firearm, both to load and fire, so a good rapier was a necessary second weapon. Price:  $265.00 On Sale For: $235.00
Pecoraro Sabre Item # SH2199 One of the rapidly growing arts within historical fencing societies is that of sabre fencing in the late 19th century Italian style, originating with fencing masters who were employed to train mounted troops in the effective use of the military sabre. Price:  $163.20	Pilsen Rapier Item # 501175 We found this rare rapier in an old catalog of antique weapons, which had described it as German, and felt we should reproduce it as a new offering. The sword is light and quick and balances in the hand nicely. Price:  $285.00 On Sale For: $255.00
Practical Cup Hilt Item # SH2261 Designed for the rapier fencer with a preference for the cup-hilt style who wishes to spar in safety, our Practical Cup-Hilt Rapier and Main Gauche fit the bill perfectly. Price:  $235.20	Practical Rapier-37 Item # SH1099 Fencing in the Renaissance style plays a prominent part in historical re-enactment, combining the quickness of light blades with the structure and spirit of the duel. Price:  $167.04
Practical Rapier-43 Item # SH1098 In addition to our Practical Swept Hilt and Cup-Hilt Rapiers, we have developed a number of other weapons for the Renaissance fencer and these are presented here. Price:  $166.40	Radaell Sabre Item # SH2200 One of the rapidly growing arts within historical fencing societies is that of sabre fencing in the late 19th century Italian style, originating with fencing masters who were employed to train mounted troops in the effective use of the military sabre. Price:  $146.88
Rapier-Bone Grip Item # SH1092 Our Renaissance-style Swept Hilt Rapiers trace their origins to early 17th century Europe, where swordplay with the Rapier was considered an essential part of a gentleman's education and was often used in resolving gentlemanly disagreements. Price:  $264.96	Rapier-Wood Grip Item # SH1024 Our Renaissance-style Swept Hilt Rapiers trace their origins to early 17th century Europe, where swordplay with the Rapier was considered an essential part of a gentleman's education and was often used in resolving gentlemanly disagreements. Price:  $235.20
Renaissance Colada Rapier Item # ED4460 The Renaissance Colada Rapier features a hammered and blackened iron pommel and guard. The grip is padded with leather and wire wrapped making it easy to hold and use during sword re-enactments. Price:  $150.10	Renaissance Swept Twist Hilt Rapier Item # ED4466 The Renaissance Swept Twist Hilt Rapier features a hammered and blackened iron pommel and guard. The grip is padded with leather and wire wrapped making it easy to hold and use during sword re-enactments. Price:  $159.60
Solingen Rapier Item # SH2205 Our Solingen Rapier and matching Main Gauche exhibit the 'blade-catcher' style of quillons used throughout northern Europe. Available in both bright and antiqued versions, both of these pieces will accept the 'Practical' sparring blades. Price:  $235.20	Swept Hilt Rapier Item # ED4464 This Swept Hilt rapier is for all you stunt and theater professionals. The Swept Hilt rapier was made specifically for re-enactments and stage fighting. The rapier features a full tang and the blade is made of high carbon steel. Price:  $159.00
Taza Rapier Item # SH2035 The very best of these weapons featured beautifully pierced cups and pommels and CAS Hanwei has replicated these to perfection and combined them with an elegantly tapered high-carbon steel blade in our 'Taza' rapier. Price:  $354.24	Torino Rapier Item # SH2204 Based on models of 17th century swept-hilt rapiers of Italian ancestry, our Torino Rapier and matching Main Gauche exhibit the classic straight crossguard styling popular in this part of Europe. Price:  $235.20
Traditional Colada Broadsword Rapier Item # ED2071 A traditional circa 1620 broadsword rapier with the classic flair of the originals. With a quality hand forged steel blade that couples the beauty and curves of swept quillions with a leather grip. Leather sheath is included. Price:  $159.60