A Dish-Hilted Rapier, Blade by Juan Martinez

Double-edged, straight blade of hexagonal cross-section with central point and short fullers struck with inscription "Respice Finem" (the motto of the family Hercolani) on both sides. Marks "M beneath a crown" and "half moon" stamped on the ricaso. Iron hilt. Cup-guard pierced with geometric patterns. D shaped knuckle bow guard and slender square crossguard ended with volute. Wooden grip bound with twisted iron wire. Smooth ovoid-shaped pommel with button. Italy circa 1600, length 125 cm. Rapier with same motto is in the collection of the Medieval Civic Museum in Bologna. Condition 2+