Fine 17th Century Rapier sword with original scabbard

A very fine Continental Cup-hilt Rapier sword circa 1650. A wonderfully elegant piece, the righly decorated basket hilt with pierced guards and scrolling steel quillons and edging. The steel pommel of ovid form similarly pierced through to form a hollow cage, the grip complete with its original wire woven binding. The long steel rapier blade with a short deep fuller to its upper section inside which is a long latin inscription on both sides. This sword comes complete with its original leather covered scabbard with iron mounts and belt hook, a very rare survival indeed. A related rapier exists in the colleciton of the Royal Armouries (IX.85) which has a similar very deep dished cup, with near identical row of intertwined circles to the upper edge, presumably originating from the same maker or workshop. A magnificent example in very fine condition. european