An early rapier with a bow guard ("espada de lazo"), Spain, early 17th century.

An early rapier with a bow guard ("espada de lazo"), Spain, early 17th century. A fine double-edged rapier in excellent collector's condition. The blade is straight, steel, double-edged, tapering towards the tip, with a single fuller at the base along the midline. The fuller of the blade bears illegible inscriptions (the maker's name?). The hilt on both sides of the blade bears bud-shaped stamps, typically found on Spanish swords. The hilt consists of a grip and guard. The cylindrical grip is wrapped with steel wire around its entire perimeter. The ends of the grip are covered with steel braids that secure the wire wrapping. The pommel is steel, figured, plum-shaped, with a button at the top. The guard has one protective and two auxiliary half-guards. The guard consists of a complex intertwined system of protective bows and a long S-shaped crosspiece, the so-called "bow" or "lasso", intended to capture the opponent's blade. Good condition. Length: Approximately 110 cm.