Santa Margarita Rapier Hilt 1986.008.1781A3D Model
A rapier hilt, along with part of the blade, comes from the wreck of the 1622 galleon Santa Margarita. The piece is cast of epoxy resin from the natural calcareous marine concretion that formed around the original: The hilt’s iron and steel completely decomposed, but this cast is a true-to-life representation of it. The rapier was bent when Margarita wrecked, and the blade broken, but details of its design are still apparent. The elaborate, swept hilt with decorative chiseling was typical of high-end rapiers made in the late 16th and early 17th centuries. The squared pommel with serrated fluting is unusual, but the general “flattened egg” shape was typical of swords of the early 1600s. The grip was originally wood and wrapped with wire, likely silver. The stout but narrow blade was designed for thrusting more so than cutting. Thin wood covers part of the blade – vestiges of the sheath. Overall, this rapier was exceptionally elegant and would have been a prized possession of its owner.
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