Dutch transitional rapier

During the 16th and 17th centuries, the rapier dominated as the accessory of choice for many gentlemen, but during the course of the 17th century, rapier blades become shorter, lighter and more elegant, and their hilts became more petite. This object represents the progression in design between the classic rapier and the later small sword - the transitional rapier. This sidearm has an equine design theme, with its pommel, crossguard and handguard featuring chiselled depictions of the animal.