An Italian or Spanish gilt ceremonial sword, circa 1560

The double-edged blade of flattened hexagonal section. The sturdy ricasso with a mark struck onto both sides. The fire-gilt, iron swept hilt with triangular, openworked balusters and knobs, the gilding abraded. The grip with fine iron wire winding and Turk's heads. The hexagonal pommel formed of volutes, the distinct, riveted finial forged in one piece. Length 117 cm.
An unusual sword, which may be considered part of an early group of rapiers featuring openwork pommels, presumably originating in Spain or Italy. A comparable piece can be found in the Kienbusch Collection at the Philadelphia Museum of Art (catalogue no. 361) and in the Wallace Collection in London (no. 671).
Condition: II