occasionally met with; these might even date within the opening years of the XVIIIth century. In the earlier Schiavone, blades of high quality of late XVth century date are sometimes to be found fitted to these hilts, but as a rule the blades are of the Ferrara School of the latter part of the XVIth century. We have never seen a back-edged blade fitted to a Schiavona except it be a later addition. A type of sword, even as early as 1526, was known under the name of Schiavona, for in that year the Marquis of Mantua sent "two Schiavonas well garnished and with good blades" to his ambassador at Milan to be presented to the Marquis del Guasto. What was the formation of the hilt at that early period we do not know.
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Fig. 1393. Rapier
A variety of the Flemish type, first quarter of the XVIIth century Ex collection: the late Mr. E. Brett
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Fig. 1394. Rapier
Flemish, about 1620-30. Wallace Collection (Laking Catalogue, No. 546)
The distinctive Flemish hilts, like those of English origin, to which they are closely allied in form, make a very late appearance. It is not until the close of the XVIth century that they can be actually recognized as forming a group distinct in itself; but apart from those forms which undoubtedly betray their nationality, there are Italian and French hilts which are decorated with designs of Flemish character. The author thinks that these are perhaps Flemish weapons fashioned on Italian lines. It is not, however, until their history comes down to about 1590 that the Flemish hilts can lay claim to be considered as forming a distinct group. In nearly every case they are found with fig-shaped pommels, full knuckle-guards, diagonally curved ribbon-pattern quillons, simple counter-guards, and large protective shells on either side. All types of blades of different countries are fitted to them. In the Wallace Collection (No. 415) is a very complete and representative example (Fig. 1390). The hilt is entirely fire gilt, with a fluted fig-shaped pommel, slender knuckle-guard, and diagonally curved quillons widening at the ends to a ribbon form. The large shells are pierced with a scheme of crosses and stars. A heart-shaped ring is outside the shell. In the case of this example the grip modelled in iron is of baluster form. The blade is by JOHANNES
