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Rapier, 15th century

Early of the 15th century

Musée de l'Armée - Hôtel des Invalides

Musée de l'Armée - Hôtel des Invalides
Paris, France

As interesting as they are, salvaged pieces often have missing parts. Here, in addition to the damage on the upper section of the blade, this superb rapier was found without its pommel. It is a shame that this piece is missing, because swords are often classified based on this appendage, using the silk of the guard. Whether the pommel is pear-shaped, in disk-form, or in a teardrop shape, it can also contain saintly relics in a hollow or bear its owner's coat of arms.
On its robust blade with two cutting edges and an imposing hollowed groove, there is evidence that there were once two letters, perhaps "HS," and on the other side, there is a now-illegible inscription. This is not enough to help us identify where it was produced or identify its owner.
The hilts, which are straight and convex at the ends, give the weapon an overall shape reminiscent of the crucifix. This was a highly important symbol for knights who always associated Christianity with the legitimacy of their power.

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  • Title: Rapier, 15th century
  • Date Created: Early of the 15th century
  • Location Created: Western Europe
  • Physical Dimensions: 0,156 (w) x 0,012 (h) x,929 (l) m / Blade: 0,78 (l) m
  • Provenance: donation; previous collection: Boucher de Perthes
  • Subject Keywords: Blade, Weapon
  • Type: Épée
  • Medium: Fer, Forgé
  • Inventory: 288 I
Musée de l'Armée - Hôtel des Invalides

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