This beauty (the rapier, not my friend Esbjörn!) was made around 1600 AD. The blade is from Toledo and bears the stamps of Miguel Cantero, while the hilt is probably German and executed in darkened steel and gold plating. It is 1231 mm (46.5") long, with a blade length of 985 mm (38.8"). The blade has a hexagonal cross section and a 55 mm (2.2") long ricasso together with a hollowground strong of 225 mm (8.9"). Weight 1370 grams (3 lbs.). PoB 75 mm (3") in front of the hilt. Do I have to mention that it was lovely to handle? Inventory number LRK 10027.

Close-up of the hilt. The sword to the left (LRK 3061) is probably German, 15th century. We dubbed it "the spatula", as it had a thin, broad blade (774 mm/30.47" long, 67 mm/2.64" wide). LOA 1010 mm (39.8"), weight 1850 grams 4.07 lbs.

The inside of the hilt.