Rapier
Physical Object
1986.008.1781a
Santa Margarita (1622)
circa 1620
This portion of a rapier from the Atocha completely deteriorated during its long immersion in the sea. A resin version of its form was cast from the calcareous marine concretion that formed around the object underwater. It is a “swept-hilt” rapier, with an elaborate inner guard (the portion of the hilt closer to the blade). The wooden grip was wrapped with wire to improve the user’s hold. The pommel is shaped like a squared egg covered with twisting, knobbed ridges. These elements are all of styles typical to the late sixteenth and early seventeenth centuries. A portion of the thick, narrow blade is encased in wood from a sheath, which was likely covered by leather that did not survive.