Iron cup hilt with short cross guard as prescribed for dueling. Faceted knuckle bow and chevron reeded vase shaped pommel. Copper wire wrapped grip with turban form terminals. 36 1/2" rapier form blade. The ricasso, within the cup, sheathed in fire gilt brass. The forte with medial flat flanked by triple narrow fullers and inlaid with copper and brass eye brow and grape cluster motifs. The blade medially ridged beyond. Crisp excellent preservation with soft gray patina throughout. Grip excellent. It is believed that the duel originated in Italy. It is well known that fencing techniques and the evolution of the fencing or dueling sword which followed, originated with the Italian schools. This sword is a rare survivor of dueling in the 18th century, probably preserved by an aristocratic family in Italy until WWII.
