English Civil War Swords

The rapier began to develop at around the turn of the 15th century as the Spanish espada ropera, or "dress sword". It was a fast and light single handed sword designed for cutting and thrusting. In 1570 the Italian swordmaster Signior Rocco Bonetti settled in England and advocated the use of the rapier for thrusting as opposed to cutting when engaged in a duel. Although it was generally seen as a civilian weapon, more robust versions such as the Pappenheimer Rapier were developed for battlefield use and saw service in conflicts such as the English Civil War. Many rapier treatises still survive including "The Schoole of the Noble and Worthy Science of Defence" written in England in 1617 by Joseph Swetnam.

Our Renaissance Rapier features a hand forged complex hilt constructed from steel and polished to a bright finish. The wire-bound handle is both attractive and functional - allowing for a firmer grip than the leather bound equivalent. The hand forged steel blade is housed in a well made wooden scabbard with leather covering and steel fittings. This sword is blunt and designed for display only.

Total Length: 100.5cm
Blade Length: 88.5cm
Grip Length: 18.5cm
Weight: 1702g
Blade Thickness (base): 4.82cm
Blade Width (base): 0.5cm
Point of Balance (PoB): 17cm
Blade: High Carbon Steel
Edge: Blunt
Pommel: Threaded
Scabbard: Leather, Wood, Steel

All dimensions are approximate and may vary from piece to piece.

A rapier of this identical form and proportions is currently housed in The Royal Armouries (formerly the Tower of London).

The flamboyantly formed hilt is both beautiful and functional. It’s forward plates are pierced and show lavish birds among foliage, while the bars of the guard are slender both defending the hand and having an upward loop to catch an opponent’s blade. The heavy pommel allows for a more balanced feel for fighting. The blade is etched on both sides of the ricasso with the Latin phrase CHRISTUS IMPERAT which means “Christ Commands.”

Total Length: 119cm
Blade Length: 103cm
Blade Width: 2.5cm
Blade Thickness: 0.48cm
Weight: 1361g
Grip Length: 8.9cm
Blade: 1065 High Carbon Steel
Edge: Blunt
Pommel: Threaded
Scabbard: Leather, Wood, Steel

All dimensions are approximate and may vary from piece to piece.

This stunning rapier has an expertly crafted swept & twisted metal basket. The heavily carved horn grip mimics the elegantly twisted metal of the hilt and is hand wound and inset with a single steel accent wire that provides an excellent grip while duelling.

Better yet was the aristocratic, dashing look it gave the wearer while rakishly hanging from the belt. Hand forged high carbon steel blade with flattened oval cross section. Extended, custom engraved ricasso for strength.

Includes leather scabbard with twisted metal accents completing this magnificent and fast rapier.

Total Length: 112cm
Blade Length: 95cm
Blade Width: 2cm
Blade Thickness: 0.5cm
Weight: 1247g
Grip Length: 9cm
Material: 1065 High Carbon Steel
Edge: Blunt
Scabbard: Leather

All dimensions are approximate and may vary from piece to piece.

A weapon unequalled in elegance and grace: the classic French rapier. The slender, double-edged blade determines the character of this classic rapier, whose ricasso elegantly becomes narrower inside the basket. But the complex basket with its sweeping finger guard is not the only special feature this classic rapier has to offer: the grip is bordered by braided steel wire on both sides.

The grip itself is made of horn wrapped with golden wire for a stunning effect. When used with a French parrying dagger, this classic rapier forms part of a deadly set that was especially appreciated by duellists. Our classic French rapier comes with its own scabbard.

Total Length: 116cm
Blade Length: 99cm
Grip Length: 8cm
Weight: 1.14kg
Blade Thickness (base, outside basket): 4.7mm
Blade Thickness (CoP): 3.1mm
Blade Width (base, outside basket): 2cm
Blade Width (CoP): 1.4cm
Point of Balance (PoB): 6cm
Centre of Percussion (CoP): 20cm
Blade: High Carbon Steel
Edge: Blunt
Pommel: Peened
Scabbard: Leather, Wood, Steel

All dimensions are approximate and may vary from piece to piece.

A beautifully executed 17th Century rapier with a very complex hilt and faceted pommel. The grip is hand-wound with silver plated wire with woven wire rings, top and bottom. The hand-forged, high carbon steel, fully tempered blade features a wide fuller to lighten and strengthen it for thrusting and the heavy ricasso provides extra strength to the main stress area. The blade features a fine point, so it excels at thrusting.

The top-quality, genuine leather scabbard features deeply engraved floral patterns on the throat and tip. This type of sword was deadly effective as a duelling weapon. This 17th Century Italian Rapier was designed by Bruce Brookhart and dedicated to his friend, Hank Reinhardt. Made by Windlass Steelcrafts.

Total Length: 117cm
Blade Length: 90cm
Blade Width: 2cm
Blade Thickness: 0.5cm
Weight: 1134g
Scabbard: Leather

All dimensions are approximate and may vary from piece to piece.