Rapier hilts archetypes

Authors

  • Vincent Le Chevalier not affiliated

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.36950/apd-2026-001

Keywords:

rapier, hilts, typology

Abstract

A.V.B. Norman’s typology of hilts currently serves as the standard for the classification of rapiers. However, its flat structure and minutious granularity make it inconvenient for memorization and discussion. This work proposes a restructuration of Norman’s extensive typology into fewer archetypes that renders it less cumbersome to use and follows the functional developments of complex hilts.

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References

Capwell, Tobias (ed), The Noble Art of the Sword, Fashion and Fencing in Renaissance Europe, 1520–1630 (The Wallace Collection, 2012)

Grotkamp-Schepers, Barbara, Isabell Immel, Peter Johnsson, and Sixt Wetzler, The Sword — Form and Thought (Deutches Klingenmuseum, 2015)

Norman, A. Vesey B., The Rapier and Small-Sword, 1460–1820 (Ayer Company Publishers, 2009)

Parry, Daniel, ‘Evolution of rapier blades’, myArmoury.com, 19 January 2019 < https://myarmoury.com/talk/viewtopic.php?t=37332> [accessed 20 December 2025]

Picchianti, Simone, Le Spade da lato al Museo Stibbert (Sillabe, 2019)

Oakeshott, Ewart, The Archaeology of Weapons: Arms and Armour from Prehistory to the Age of Chivalry (The Lutterworth Press, 1960)

Oakeshott, Ewart, European Weapons and Armour: from the Renaissance to the Industrial Revolution (The Lutterworth Press, 1980)

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Published

2026-03-31

How to Cite

Le Chevalier, V. (2026). Rapier hilts archetypes. Acta Periodica Duellatorum, 13(1). https://doi.org/10.36950/apd-2026-001