German Swept-hilt Rapier (1630/40)

If you look closely on the fuller there are thin marks that is actually a maker's mark. It is the infamous "Running Wolf" mark of the blade smiths of Passau.  The mark has been found on blades as old as the 13th century.

Close up of the guard.

Some decorations on the hilt.

On display at the Detroit Institute of Arts.

Italian Cup-hilt Rapier (17th century)

Floral decoration on hilt, possibly sunflowers. An extremely detailed pattern that I have no idea how it would be accomplished.  

Blade marking says "Ihn Solingen". The blade appears to have been made in Solingen, Germany.

Mid-blade of the rapier transitions from a fuller and two tapering edges to a diamond profile.

Rapier tip. The diamond shape makes it extremely stout and a highly effective thrusting weapon. 

This sword is on display at the Detroit Institute of Arts.

"Satire of a Nobleman in Misery" (18th century oil painting)

This is an Italian painting from the early 1700's that I found interesting because it reminded me of the Spanish film Alatriste (2006).  The movie was an adaptation of Spanish series of novels by Arturo Perez-Reverte, and both works have a lot of sword-fights, knife-fights, etc, so check them out if you're into that type of thing.  Many wide shots from the movie were lit with a single, soft light source such as the sun coming through a window, and I always thought many of these shots looked like paintings.  When I found this period painting that featured the same lighting style, in addition to the drab setting, tattered clothing, and fierce mustache, I couldn't help but think of Diego Alatriste. 

The painting is on display at the Detroit Institute of Arts.

Viggo Mortensen as "Captain Alatriste"

Swords and Daggers of the DIA

The small collection of blades at the Detroit Institute of Arts.  I have some close-ups of most of the weapons, but this is about the only photo I have that shows the full size and relative scale of each weapon. I plan on uploading detailed pictures of each weapon soon.