EUROPEAN DUELING TYPE SWORD CA.1680

An interesting lightweight sword dating ca.1680. Weapons of this type, with minimal arm protection are described in literature as being of dueling type. This example is 92 cm overall, with a 77 cm-long blade of complicated architecture, hexagonal at the forte, transitioning to rhomboid cross-section. Both sides of the forte are engraved with florals, with inset brass or gold foil. All parts of the hilt are decorated en suite. Rich uniform chocolate patina covers all metal surfaces. Original iron wire grip wrapping is present, but both turk's head wire terminals are long gone. Sword is nice and tight, with minimal play of the shell. A nice, lively, well-balanced sword.