Swept Hilt Rapiers from Medieval Collectables

The swept hilt rapier was the civilian weapon of choice for close to 200 years, from the early 16th century to the early 18th. On our replica, nine brass bars, all at least 1/8 inch thick, swirl and curve to make the dazzling cage that protects the hand from being cut. Also, the Swept-Hilt often caught an opponent's blade, opening him up to a fatal stab. Swordplay with the swept hilt rapier was considered an essential part of a gentleman's education and was often used in resolving gentlemanly disagreements. Functional fencing rapier blades typically originated in Toledo or Solingen and would be hilted by regional smiths, resulting in many hilt styles. Hilt finishes were both practical and decorative and gilding, silvering and bluing were all widely accepted methods of providing both decoration and resistance to rust.

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
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 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	Ribbed Shell Swept Hilt Rapier Item # 07-88CHR The long, narrow blade is fully sharpened and beautifully polished with a single wide fuller at the forte to assure perfect balance. The hilt also reflects the best in craftsmanship and materials fashioned from stainless steel featuring a classic ribbed shell. Price:  $599.95
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	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