2788 - A Pappenheim-type rapier with a low basket hilt and a fine Solingen blade, circa 1620

A Pappenheim-type rapier with a low basket hilt and a fine Solingen blade, circa 1620 High-quality, slender, double-edged blade with a rhombic, slightly grooved cross-section. The multiple-grooved tang features the imperial orb mark stamped on both sides and the signature “WILHELM WIRSBERGH - IN SOLINGEN” stamped twice on both sides, along with the motto “FIDE SED CUI VIDE.” A false edge with a brass-backed pliers mark stamped on both sides. Iron hilt with beaded crossguards and large, finely openwork guard plates set on both sides. Original, grooved tang, which has lost its grip wrapping; preserved brass Turkish rings. Slightly oval, octagonal pommel with a stepped riveted pommel cap. Length 125 cm. Wilhelm Wirsberg, who worked as a sword smith in Solingen, used a pair of tongs as his master’s mark. His high-quality blades can be found in many weapons of princely provenance. Cf.: Weyersberg, Albert, *Die Solinger Schwertschmiede des 16. und 17. Jh.*, p. 53 ff. Condition: II