Early 16th 17th Century Italian Venetian Schiavona Rapier Sword Engraved Signed
Item History & Price
IMPORTANT NOTICE!It has been brought to my attention that this may not be an authentic schiavona sword. I've received differing opinions. Some say it's a Victorian era copy. One believes it to be a more modern reproduction from the 20th century. I can not guarantee it one ...way or the other. So pleaser bid accordingly.
The Schiavone became popular in Italy in the 16th & 17th centuries. It is considered to be the first true basket hilted sword. Guard & cat head pommel appear to be of iron. Guard is welded into one solid piece with no broken welds. Pommel is very firm on the tang. Slight side to side movement to the guard. That is, towards the blade flats. No movement back & forth towards the edges. Grip wire is firmly attached at both ends, but has stretched some. It feels loose when gripped. Blade has an interesting shape. The edges begin just past where the lower bars drop below the cross guard. From there, it's basically hexagonal in cross section. But it's as if the central flats exist only to accommodate the engraving. On the side with INDEPENDECA VENITA, the flat is wider & better defined than on the signed side. And once the engraving ends, the blade quickly turns from hexagonal to elliptical. Blades width is constant until the last 7", where it tappers to a needle point. There is slight damage to the tip. Both sides of the pommel are decorated with gold accents. The blade has a gold crown over a cross at the ricaso on one side. And 4 gold Xs in a diagonal line on the other side.
Overall length 38 1/4". Blade 32 1/4" long, 1 1/8" wide. Weight 2 Lbs. 15.5 oz.
The Schiavone became popular in Italy in the 16th & 17th centuries. It is considered to be the first true basket hilted sword. Guard & cat head pommel appear to be of iron. Guard is welded into one solid piece with no broken welds. Pommel is very firm on the tang. Slight side to side movement to the guard. That is, towards the blade flats. No movement back & forth towards the edges. Grip wire is firmly attached at both ends, but has stretched some. It feels loose when gripped. Blade has an interesting shape. The edges begin just past where the lower bars drop below the cross guard. From there, it's basically hexagonal in cross section. But it's as if the central flats exist only to accommodate the engraving. On the side with INDEPENDECA VENITA, the flat is wider & better defined than on the signed side. And once the engraving ends, the blade quickly turns from hexagonal to elliptical. Blades width is constant until the last 7", where it tappers to a needle point. There is slight damage to the tip. Both sides of the pommel are decorated with gold accents. The blade has a gold crown over a cross at the ricaso on one side. And 4 gold Xs in a diagonal line on the other side.
Overall length 38 1/4". Blade 32 1/4" long, 1 1/8" wide. Weight 2 Lbs. 15.5 oz.
