Description

We produce an early form of cruciform rapier hilt known as a “Reitschwert”. According to “The Archaeology Of Weapons” by Ewart Oakshott, plate 20 lower left, this design dates from the end of the 15th century. Our Reitschwert hilts may be purchased unbladed, or mounted on a blade with either a flat or rod tang. This hilt may be ordered with either a 9 inch or an 11 3/4 inch long cross guard, two open (unfilled) side rings of equal size, and a pair of annallet (finger rings) protected by filled and pierced flat shells. The shells may be ordered in either the pappenheimer or mercenary (hearts and spades) piercework. 11 3/4 inch long Guards may be ordered straight, curved forward (C shaped), or serpentine (S shaped). A knuckle guard may be added as an option for an additional $15. If a rapier is being ordered primarily for sidesword fencing, let us know via e-mail or through PayPal’s “note to seller” and we’ll mount a lighter pommel. Our Alchem blades can be used for either thrust only or cut and thrust sidesword fencing.