Rapier

This rapier is a typical example of fighting side arms of its era, its striking nature determined by the configuration and size of the blade as well as the form and construction of the hilt. At the same time, it is of superb artistic quality, as we can tell by the fine chasing on the hilt. An inscription on the blade indicates that this marvellous rapier was produced at the turn of the 17th century by the famous Spanish armourer Juan Martinez of Toledo. For several centuries this Spanish city was famed as one of the most important centres for arms production in Europe.