A beautfully gilt Pappenheimer style Rapier,

OaL: 48.75 in/123.8 cm

Blade Length: 42.25 in/107.3 cm

Weight: 2.8 lbs/1276 g

A Rapier is a one-handed, thrust-centric sword common to the Renaissance. The word first begins to be used in France in the late 15th century, referring to swords as an "Epée Rapiere," and it continues to see common use into the mid 17th century, and even into the 18th century in countries such as Spain.

Common sub-types of Rapier include the swept hilt,

cup hilt,

pappenheimer,

and ring hilt (also called a seven ring, or some variation thereupon,)

and the rapier is likely the weapon which has the most manuals written on its use. Contrary to popular belief, Rapiers are not particularly light swords, sometimes weighing as much as longswords, up to 5 lbs/2.25 kg.

A short Rapier with a blued hilt,

OaL: 50.5 in/128.3 cm

Weight: 3.2 lbs/1.5 kg