A 17th Century Continental ‘Crab Claw’ Hilted Rapier Sword With Solingen Blade

~ A 17^th Century Continental ‘Crab Claw’ Hilted Rapier Sword With Solingen Blade ~

This superb example still has its full length blade, it has the Passau running Wolf makers mark of the type that dates it to 1690-1720 having a wooden grip with brass Turks head and large pommel (which is a period replacement) attached to a triangular bowed hand guard with engraved decoration on a tapered double-edged steel blade 101cm overall.

This would have belonged to a rich gentleman, or Nobleman, for personal protection as well as a symbol of wealth. Solingen blades were highly valued and sought after. The Passau running Wolf makers mark reaches as far back as the 13^th Century and is a makers guild mark, in those days the techniques for making blades were a closely guarded secret and you had to be in the guild to be able to produce work of this quality.

This is a rarely available item.

~ Condition ~

In excellent condition with a clearly legible Makers mark, the blade displays the correct patina for its age with only minor pitting or damage, the hand guard and Crab Claw are undamaged. The wooden grip shows woodworm flight holes but looks original and we believe that the pommel has been replaced historically.

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