Arms & Armor Milanese Rapier

This immaculately detailed Italian spada da lato side sword is based on a c. 1570 Milanese original kept within the collection of the Museo Poldi Pezzoli. The raised checkered style of the blued steel hilt catches reflects light at all angles and the complexity and thoroughness of this geometric design belies the high quality craftsmanship required in its creation. The hilt allows for both right or left handed use.

Not to be outdone by the eye-fetching hilt the blade itself is skillfully executed with its well tempered 6150 high carbon steel blade which is mounted into the hilt with a peen on the pommel for a secure construction. The wooden grip is masterfully bound in carefully laid antiqued braided steel wire which contrasts with bright steel wire.

While this type of rapier was clearly well suited for the thrust it does maintain enough blade width to allow it to be used to slash and cut with surprising ability in skilled hands. This rapier style was well known to the Italian fencing masters Marozzo and Agrippa and their manuscripts on Italian swordplay depict the use of similar swords.