A late-17th century transitional rapier or early small sword. Straight double-edged blade of 88cm long with fuller of 18cm at the forte. In the fuller on both sides having engraved script, seeming to say INRI MARIA, with star motifs. Knucklebow missing the connection point with the pommel, the double-shell guards of steel with pierced work in the centres which have been lost or removed, leaving open shells now looking like ring guards. Rear quillon of acorn form, with double finger-rings. Wooden grip lacking covering. Housed in much later steel scabbard of c.1900 from a military sword. The rapier has been cleaned in parts and would benefit from careful restoration, but still has all the major components.