Six Ringed 17th Century Rapier

Six Ringed Rapier early 17th century rapier with long tapering blade of flattened diamond section, the hilt with deep cup like guard of six slender rings, the bottom of which filled with a double shell each half embossed pierced and incised with scallop, slender recurved quillons and knuckle guard. Faceted ovoidal pommel overall length 140cm the blade 112cm Original sold by Christies London in 1983 For reference please see Rapiers by Eric Valentine item no 16