A 17th-century Italian rapier with a cup-hilt guard that has been decorated with cutouts and engraved foliate designs all over. Inside the cup are two finger rings for holding the rapier in the "pistol-grip" manner. The grip itself is a wrapped chain of gilt-silver. The very long and slender blade is not decorated but does have a thin fuller for the first four inches of its length. Dimensions: L: 48 in., (121.9 cm.) Very good overall with a nice patina. Some very minor pitting in various places. All parts tight except a very slight wiggle in the handle. Gilding on grip is quite worn but still visible, and the silver underneath shines brightly.

Composed of several subsidiaries, the Drouot Group is a major player in the art market. Hôtel Drouot, located in the heart of Paris, has been the world's largest public auction center since 1852. 15 salerooms are available to more than 70 auction houses. The emulation generated by an annual offer of 230,000 artworks from 21 major specialities - from Antiquity to street art - attracts some 3,000 visitors every day. The Group's digital platform, Drouot.com, offers digital sales - Live auctions (live broadcasting and participation in auctions), Online-only auctions (dematerialised auctions) and Buy Now sales (sales of lots at fixed prices). Nearly 2 million items are offered annually by 600 auction houses. Auction news is reported every week in La Gazette Drouot, the leading weekly magazine for the art market and culture published by Auctionspress.