Rapier and Sheath
ca. 1640 (made)
| Artist/Maker |
Object Type
Light rapiers of this form first became fashionable in England in the 1630s. The style and decoration of this silver hilt follow very closely that of the steel hilts of the period. Its distinctly war-like decoration, consisting of scenes showing cavalry engagements and warriors, suggests that it would have been worn by an officer. Silver hilts were expensive and reflected the wealth and status of the owner.
Trading
The hilt of this sword was made in England, almost certainly in London, but its plain, serviceable blade is stamped with a Latin inscription indicating that it was made in Solingen, Germany. By using a series of well-managed workshops, Solingen had become the largest producer of sword-blades in Europe by the 17th century.
Ownership & Use
A sword with a silver hilt of this form was too fragile and expensive to be used as a weapon. Swords for practical use were fitted with a steel hilt. This silver-hilted sword therefore should be regarded as an item of masculine jewellery. When a silver hilt became old-fashioned, it would be taken to a hilt-maker who would use the silver to make another in the latest fashion, giving the purchaser the bullion value of the old hilt. Consequently hilts of silver dating from before the end of the 17th century are rare.
Light rapiers of this form first became fashionable in England in the 1630s. The style and decoration of this silver hilt follow very closely that of the steel hilts of the period. Its distinctly war-like decoration, consisting of scenes showing cavalry engagements and warriors, suggests that it would have been worn by an officer. Silver hilts were expensive and reflected the wealth and status of the owner.
Trading
The hilt of this sword was made in England, almost certainly in London, but its plain, serviceable blade is stamped with a Latin inscription indicating that it was made in Solingen, Germany. By using a series of well-managed workshops, Solingen had become the largest producer of sword-blades in Europe by the 17th century.
Ownership & Use
A sword with a silver hilt of this form was too fragile and expensive to be used as a weapon. Swords for practical use were fitted with a steel hilt. This silver-hilted sword therefore should be regarded as an item of masculine jewellery. When a silver hilt became old-fashioned, it would be taken to a hilt-maker who would use the silver to make another in the latest fashion, giving the purchaser the bullion value of the old hilt. Consequently hilts of silver dating from before the end of the 17th century are rare.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Parts | This object consists of 2 parts. (Some alternative part names are also shown below)
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| Brief description | The hilt of cast silver, the blade inscribed MEFECIT SALINGEN, English, ca. 1640; Arms and armour For a Sword (Rapier), English, ca. 1640; Arms and armour |
| Dimensions | Dimensions checked: Measured; 21/04/1999 by DW |
| Gallery label | British Galleries:
SWORDS AS FASHIONABLE ACCESSORIES Swords reflected the status and wealth of the wearer. They were as much masculine jewellery as weapons. The military ornament and plain blade of the rapier indicate that it might have belonged to an officer. In contrast, the elaborate inlaid and engraved decoration on the sword blade, suggests a luxury object. The royal arms of James I may indicate that it was one of a batch of high-quality, imported blades supplied to the king and probably intended as gifts to prominent courtiers.(27/03/2003) |
| Credit line | Bequeathed by Mr G. H. Ramsbottom, through Art Fund |
| Object history | The hilt made in England, the blade made in Solingen, Germany |
| Summary | Object Type Light rapiers of this form first became fashionable in England in the 1630s. The style and decoration of this silver hilt follow very closely that of the steel hilts of the period. Its distinctly war-like decoration, consisting of scenes showing cavalry engagements and warriors, suggests that it would have been worn by an officer. Silver hilts were expensive and reflected the wealth and status of the owner. Trading The hilt of this sword was made in England, almost certainly in London, but its plain, serviceable blade is stamped with a Latin inscription indicating that it was made in Solingen, Germany. By using a series of well-managed workshops, Solingen had become the largest producer of sword-blades in Europe by the 17th century. Ownership & Use A sword with a silver hilt of this form was too fragile and expensive to be used as a weapon. Swords for practical use were fitted with a steel hilt. This silver-hilted sword therefore should be regarded as an item of masculine jewellery. When a silver hilt became old-fashioned, it would be taken to a hilt-maker who would use the silver to make another in the latest fashion, giving the purchaser the bullion value of the old hilt. Consequently hilts of silver dating from before the end of the 17th century are rare. |
| Bibliographic reference | Hayward, J.F. Swords and Daggers. London: HMSO, 1963 |
| Other number | 21a - Hayward, Swords and Daggers |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | M.2724:1&:2-1931 |
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| Record created | March 27, 2003 |
| Record URL |
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