Swept hilt rapier

Physical description

Chiselled steel, blued and gilt, the ornament based on designs by Etienne Delaune.

Place of Origin

Bavaria, Germany (made)

Date

ca. 1600 (made)

Artist/maker

Sadeler, Daniel (possibly, maker)
Sadeler, Emanuel (possibly, maker)
Etienne Delaune, born 1514 - died 1583 (after, designer)

Materials and Techniques

Chiselled steel, blued and gilt

Dimensions

Length: 106.5 cm blade, Length: 15.5 cm hilt

Object history note

The sword was preserved for nearly 300 years at Burton Constable, near Hull.

Historical significance: The only Sadeler piece known to have been brought to England during the 17th century for use, and not imported by dealers or collectors during the 19th century.

Historical context note

The sword hilts made by the two Sadeler brothers cannot be distinguished with any certainty.

Descriptive line

Swept hilt rapier with a chiselled steel hilt, blued and gilt, Emmanuel or Daniel Sadeler based on designs by Etienne Delaune, German (Bavaria), ca. 1600

Bibliographic References (Citation, Note/Abstract, NAL no)

Hayward, J.F. Swords and Daggers. London: HMSO, 1963
Handbook covering the Museum collection of swords and daggers from the end of the 15th century to the beginning of the 19th century.
Patterson, Angus, Fashion and Armour in Renaissance Europe: Proud Lookes and Brave Attire, V&A Publishing, London, 2009, ISBN 9781851775811, p. 61, ill.

Categories

Arms & Armour

Collection code

MET