RAPIER German, beginning of the 17th century. Iron hilt, large plum-shaped pommel with 16 vertical grooves and beads, depiction of a double scallop on both sides, rivet head. Open knuckle guard. Grip wrapped with iron wire. Double-edged blade (L 96.5 cm), punched ricasso signature "ANTONIO PICININO" and punch mark, rhombic blade cross-section. L 111.7 cm The name of the famous Milanese bladesmith Antonio Picinino, who died in 1589, was soon used by Italian and German bladesmiths to enhance their products, the same is true of the copied Toledan brand. A rare, high-quality rapier in an old mount. Cf. Simone Picchianti: Le spade da lato al Museo Stibbert, 2019, No. 9. Heribert Seitz: Blankwaffen I, 1965, p. 342. * The full tax is charged on this item marked * in the auction catalogue, i.e. VAT is charged on the sum of the bid price plus the surcharge for those items. The VAT will be refunded to Purchasers providing a validly stamped export declaration.