This very special rapier was created to celebrate an engagement. Featuring hand-chiselled engravings of both families' crests, it is poised to become a true heirloom - as well as a functional fencing sword for its recipient!
Designed with the rapier fencing style of the Malta Historical Fencing Association in mind, it is ideal for a later style of rapier fencing with quick cuts, thrusts and blade voids. It rotates quickly and smoothly around the tip with a neutral balance.
The attractive shell guard, with barwork loops providing extra cover, was inspired by extant examples from Spain and Italy, while the hand-chiselled engravings add a precious personal aspect. Please see our pricing structure for an idea of what a similar sword would cost.
∴ Specs ∴
Total length: 121cm
Blade length: 107cm
Blade width at base: 2.2cm
Blade stock: 6mm
Grip length: 8.5cm
Grip and pommel: 12.5cm
Grip to guard space: 5.5cm
Quillon span: 29.5cm
Weight: 1240g
Point of Balance: 12cm
Right-handed
Blunt edges
Rounded tip
Fencing flex
∴ Notes ∴
The hand-forged and heat-treated guard and pommel are blackened to a matte finish.
The guard features shells to front and back, each engraved with a family crest. These are connected to the sides with horizontal loops of barwork. The quillons are long, straight and round-sectioned, with a matching knuckleguard extending to the flattened sphere pommel
The oak grip is wrapped in strands of twisted steel wire, and finished to the top and bottom with Turk's head knots.
∴ Gallery ∴
∴ A Joining of Hands ∴
A cacophony of laughter and clinking glasses fills the courtyard. Grinning at your beloved beside you, you rest back in your seat, defeated. You cannot remember ever being so full. Course after course of small pastries, spiced meats and rich pastas have passed in front of you, and you would have been remiss not to have tried a little of each.
After all, this is no ordinary occasion. This feast marks the coming together of two great families. A betrothal such as this doesn't happen often in your small village, and it feels like the entire population has gathered to celebrate.
A murmur starts up amongst the assembled guests, first low then loud and raucous as table upon table takes up the cry. They want a speech.
"Go on," your betrothed whispers, elbowing you playfully in the ribs.
Swaying a little under the weight of wine, you rise to your feet reluctantly. Your hand moves automatically to the hilt of your new rapier, angling it to stop the blade from jabbing into the guests behind you.
The cold steel of the engraved hilt gives you courage as you face the expectant crowd. The rapier has been passed down amongst your fiance's family for generations, adorned with their family crest and the tales of bravery that go with it. And now it is at your side, your own family's emblem carefully chiselled alongside that of your intended.
Head swimming, you glance down to meet her dancing eyes. She reaches out across the table to give your free hand a reassuring squeeze. You have no doubt she will tease you for the rest of your lives together if you mess this up. You had better keep it short and sweet.
You raise your glass.
"To family," you say.