English Chevalier circa 1650
Written by Teresita Blanco (The Artsy Sister)
Here is a somewhat old drawing featuring British knight of sorts. This was the sort of fashion that was popular in the British court. They would not battle in those outfits. Rather, they would sit and chat with their fellows about the weather, hunting and occasionally diplomacy. The rapier was also part of the outfit. It evolved from the Spanish, Espada Ropera.
Original specimens are shorter, but extremely sharper. They can pierce right through a pig in one trust. That is how those swords were tested. Poor, pigs. Anyhow, the rapier that evolved from it, took on many forms. Most of them were designed for their look. Still, they were effective in casual dueling.
Dueling became common place during that era. The French took it a bit overboard. The practice eventually was banned. So, always remember that if you are doing and old time series set in the 1650s, remember to include the swords. They were almost always used, especially when the nobles got drunk.
