16th century AD. A rapier with tapered blade of flattened hexagonal section, fullers on both sides of the forte inscribed with 'NIO FIO', facing crescents and circle with cross on the blade, pronounced ricasso; elaborate, swept hilt with thumb ring and three guard bars, the quillon finials with embossed knobs, new leather grip and slightly oval pommel. Cf. Foulkes, C., Inventory and survey of the Armouries of the Tower of London, 2 volumes, London, 1916; Dufty, A.R., European swords and daggers in the Tower of London, London, 1974, pl.21, especially letter D. 1.25 kg, 1.05m (41 1/4"). From the late Alison Barker collection, a retired London barrister; from her collection formed early 1960s-1990s. From the early 16th century onward, the practice of wearing a sword or rapier with civilian dress, made duels between unarmoured opponents moremon. Lacking the armour, shield or hand protections worn in battle, the fighters had to block or parry an attack by other means. Methods of defence included the e of a dagger or a buckler held in the left hand. Fundamental characteristics of the spada da lato,pared to the normal one-handed sword and the sword, are the long and pointed but still massive blade, sharpened on both sides, with a short ricasso protected above by a metal ring; and the hilt with one or two-handed sleeves, normally in relation to the length of the blade and therefore to the total weight of the weapon, cross-shaped guard with large, straight or folded arms, loaded with branches, bridges and rings, articulating on the ricasso, to ensure greater protection of the hand. The maker's mark shows analogies with a rapier in the Tower of London Armoury (Foulkes, 1916, no.107 p.274").