Spanish Colonial Cup Hilt Rapier, 16th-18th C.

Spanish Colonial Cup Hilt Rapier, 16th-18th C.
Europe, Spain (Manufacture of Origin), imported by conquistadors during Spanish Conquest into North American and recovered in the frontier region. The rapier has been used for a significant period of time and shows signs of rewrapping fitting and use in the period. The blade is a double edge wide blade with double fuller that terminates at the half section of the blade. The cup is a plain bowl original to the blade and crossguard with features straight quillion and a hand guard with carved ends. The grip replaced later, probably in the 19th century or earlier and the pommel with a turned steel matching other components and has a hammered tang. Spanish conquest in Mexico occurred during the 16th century and later with the Spanish conquistadors who were led by Hernan Cortes against the Aztec Empire which fell in 1521. The swords which were imported from Spain continued to see the heaviest use throughout the period due to their ease of use and availability. During the later conflicts into the American frontier Spanish explorers ventured in the couthwestern United States and as far north as Kansas in search of the "Seven Cities of Gold". In New Mexico beginning in the early 17th century small towns like Santa Fe became the early settlements of missions to convert the local indigenous populations. Size 37 1/2" L, blade 30" L

New Mexico arms and armour collection
Condition: fine quality steel aged with time and use to an overall patina of darkened steel with a red hue