Milanese Rapier

MILANESE RAPIER

Max # Damage Penetration Bulk/Size Bonus/Penalty Range Attacks 3 3 1 3 - M

1-handed/2- Quality Weight Production Cost Special Attacks handed 1 7 1,3 KG 100 -

Measurements and Specifications: Weight: 2 pounds, 15 ounces Overall length: 43 inches Blade length: 37 inches, including 1 1/2 inch ricasso Blade width: 1 1/4 inches at base, tapering to 1/2 inch Ricasso width: 3/4 inches Grip length: 3 1/4 inches Guard width: 9 1/2 inches Point of Balance: 5 inches from guard Center of Percussion: ~23 1/4 inches from guard An antique Milanese A.V.B. Norman typology: Type 43 Hilt rapier, Circa 1560

During the late 15th and into the early 16th century the use of cut and thrust swords for civilian wear was quite common. Early Renaissance masters such as Achille Marozzo and Giovanni dall'Aggochie taught fencing techniques with these swords, often referred to by modern scholars as "side swords", which sometimes held robust blades that were not any different than their military counterparts.

As the Renaissance continued, a preference for the thrust became more common, and eventually the longer rapier was developed for fencing in the styles of masters such as Ridolpho Capo Ferro and Salvator Fabris. This later rapier did not just appear out of nowhere, however. There were many swords that bridged the gap between the cutting and thrusting styles; swords that were shorter than the later rapiers, but more slender than the earlier cutting side swords. These transitional swords were used and written about by several fencing masters, such as Camillo Agrippa and Vincentio Saviolo, who used swords that were quite able in the cut, but primarily focused on the thrust. The Arms & Armor Milanese rapier is a fantastic example of a rapier that exhibits characteristics of the earlier cutting blades as well as the later thrusting ones. It is a beautiful design that has just enough decoration to be eye-catching without being ostentatious. It is also a nice weapon to have for someone who enjoys both the side sword style as well as the later thrusting rapier style but wants to reach a compromise with one sword.