Western European composite rapier

17th century Western European rapier with a German blade, and likely a Dutch hilt. The blade is incised with very ornate patterning, with scrolling flourishes above and below the etched image of a gentleman.   The mixed origins of the weapon's composite parts was not uncommon practice. The making of a sword or dagger typically required the work of several makers within a craft guild who often worked in different towns, or even different countries, such is the case with this rapier.    This swept hilt of blue steel is of unusually small size. In the early 17th century a new method of fence was developed in France requiring a much shorter sword. As a result smaller versions of 'swept' hilts began to be worn in civilian dress all over Northern Europe. This is a very rare example of this type of sword with a miniaturised 'swept' hilt.   The sword is also pictured alongside its scabbard.