Found a rapier hilt

[LostFarm]

Hi, this is my first post.  I found this in barn loft, does any one know age or origin?

[mart]

Hi there and welcome to the group !!  Can we see the inside please ?? Is the design the same on the opposite side ??  What is the history of the barn where you found it ??

[LostFarm]

I found it in a very old barn in northwest indiana.  It used to be a dairy farm. the house on the property was built in 1835 im not sure about the barn.

[wilhenri]

The cross in the shield suggests Swiss to me but I am no expert.

[LostFarm]

Ok, my first guess at the face with the cross was crusades symbol but I'm not sure.

[mart]

From all I found there is little way of dating these cup hilts !!  My personal feeling is that its possibly a Victorian reproduction !!  I just don`t see much that would make me think it was earlier !!  Maybe late 1800`s or early 1900`s !! The casting looks pretty good !!

[LostFarm]

I was kinda thinking the same thing mart.  It should look good in my curiosity cabinet.  Thanks.

[wilhenri]

Crusades much too early for a Rapier but I would agree a Victorian Copy as they did a lot of reproduction stuff during that period to decorate lage houses etc.

[mart]

It surely is a unique find !!  Did you look well for the rapier itself ??  Would be great if both were there !!