This unique rapier was designed for a client who wanted to find a balance between lightness and hand coverage. Starting with a pappenheimer hilt in mind, we worked closely with the client to strip back the design into a minimalist asymmetric guard.
Our client mentioned our Adagio sidesword as a particular source of inspiration, and Chris paired the flat section ribbon bars of this design with his knowledge of late-period rapiers in the Wallace collection to design a sleek modern-looking hilt that still nods to its extant predecessors.
The result is a versatile sword with a slight back balance, which gives a sense of lightness and reduces fencing fatigue. Designed for later rapier fencing styles, the guard particularly compliments hand-up actions.
The name of the sword refers to the distinctive "sinuous" shape of the guard, which winds back and forth before coiling into a spiral. With its flat ribbon-style barwork, the shape is reminiscent both of a coiled serpent and a meandering river.
Please see our pricing structure for an idea of what a similar sword would cost.
∴ Specs ∴
Total length: 125cm
Blade length: 111cm
Blade width at base: 2.2cm
Blade stock: 6mm
Grip length: 8.5cm
Grip and pommel: 13.5cm
Grip to guard: 6.5cm
Quillon span: 26.5cm
Weight: 1130g
Point of Balance: 13.5cm
Right-handed
Blunt edges
Rounded tip
Fencing flex
∴ Notes ∴
The hand-forged and heat-treated guard and pommel are blackened to a matte finish. The guard is formed of flat-section bars with gently flaring quillons and knuckleguard, the terminals of which feature carved detailing. The front of the guard features a winding shape that resolves into a spiral, while the counterguard is of a traditional three-bar design.
The oak grip is wrapped first in linen thread and then in oxblood red kidskin, while the pear-shaped pommel is finished with a faceted nut.
∴ Gallery ∴
∴ A Serpentine Omen ∴
The path by the river twists like an old scar, worn and familiar beneath your soldier's boots. The water murmurs beside you, its voice soft beneath the fading sun. A worthy travelling companion, you think, keeping your gaze ahead on the white-painted villa beyond the lemon groves.
Home. How long you have waited to walk this narrow way, to cross the creaking wooden bridge and open the wrought iron gate. For a moment you let yourself imagine the welcome you'll receive, but then a flicker of movement catches your eye.
There, stretched across the dirt like a ribbon of shadows, lies an asp. Its scales gleam grey and black, its broad head basking in the final warmth of the day. It doesn’t move as you approach, but nonetheless you stop, your heart tightening in your chest.
A viper crossing the path. An ill omen.
Unthinking, your hand reaches for the hilt of my sword, and curls around the oxblood grip. The coiling ribbonwork of the guard presses against your fingers, cold and reassuring, but still your pulse quickens, the unblinking gaze a warning.
You step past it slowly, the weight of your agile sword heavier than usual in your hand. As you leave the creature behind you, a shadow creeps over your thoughts. What awaits you at home? Each step toward the villa feels heavier, dread mounting with the setting sun.