Arms & Armor Dresden Rapier
Original: c. 1590, Saxon (Dresden), Victoria and Albert Museum, London
Carried as a personal weapon by the bodyguard of Christian I (1586-1591), Elector of Saxony. The hilt
was probably constructed in Dresden. The blade has the Milan town mark on the original, but this is
fairly certain to be a German forgery. The blade is wider at the hilt than most rapiers and could be
classified as a broadsword blade. Extremely heavy rapiers such as this were often used as cavalry side
arms.
The hilt is finished with a wavy chiseled pattern in blackened steel. The fore ring is filled with a
pierced plate. The grip is wire bound.
This matched set has a black leather scabbard and matching
parrying dagger with
by-knife.
Overall length: 45"
Weight: 3.7 pounds
Width of guard: 8"
Blade: 37" long below finger rings; 1.75" wide tapering to .5"
Grip and pommel: 5.5"
Point of Balance (PoB): 4" from guard
Center of Percussion (CoP): ~21" from guard
Maker:
Arms & Armor of Minnesota

Inspired by an original located in the Victoria and Albert Museum, London.
Cat. No. M34
Click to enlarge