Gustav Rapier

Description of the Product

Gustav II Adolf was the king of Sweden and therefore of Finland from 1611 to 1632. During his reign Sweden became a great power, and Gustavus Adolphus himself can be considered one of the first modern military commanders. He was one of the major actors in the 30 Year War, notable for the victory at the Battle of Breitenfeld. He died on the battlefield near Lützen in 1632 and that day, the 6^th of November, is still commemorated as a flag day both in Sweden and in Finland. His romantic career and war victories earned him the nickname “the Lion of the North”. The trusted companion of the monarch, ‘till his last breath, was his rapier.

The artfully sweeping hilt with an open floral patterned shell guard is especially distinctive. The hilt is made of stainless steel for reduced maintenance, with blade catcher-quillons and a twisted-wire grip.

The rapier features classical lines; the blade is narrow for a rapier, making this a surprisingly quick, pleasantly lightweight, and deadly weapon. The textured grip is wound with wire. A wire plait separates the grip from the pear-shaped pommel and from the quillons. The hilt is the same size as the original, and the weight and balance also match the original piece, providing an authentic feel in the user's hand. A matching scabbard is included.

The high carbon steel flex-tempered blade is interchangeable with the Hanwei Practical blade which is designed for safety in rapier sparring. A matching Main Gauche is available.

• Original from the early 1600’s
• Forged high carbon steel blade
• Excellent balance
• Blade material: high carbon steel, flex-tempered
• Overall length: 105,2 cm
• Blade length: 93,4 cm
• Handle length.: 8,5 cm
• Pommel length: 6 cm
• Weight: approx. 1080 g
• Point of balance: approx. 2,4 cm from the guard
• Blade width at guard: approx. 19,2 mm
• Blade width at tip: approx. 10,5 mm
• Blade thickness at guard: 6,42 mm
• Blade thickness at tip: approx. 2,56 mm
• Sharpness: Sharp
• Leather scabbard included
• Made by Hanwei
• Specs may slightly vary from piece to piece