Hey guys, new here and new to swords.

[Keith Tankink]

I just recently came across this forum. I purchased a sword a while back and it was pretty old looking and rusted and I bought it just because it looked cool. I finally found out that its a Cup Hilt Rapier. I know they make replicas and this one has no marks imprinted on it at all. Is there any way to find out if its a real antique sword or a replica or should I just find a specialist. I will try to get a pic today as soon as possible.

[Keith Tankink]

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[Corey Roberts]

Hello Keith, based on the appearance of where the blade is set into the hilt, I do not believe your sword is authentic. Historical examples typically have the blade and tang in one continuous piece where the hilt parts attach onto the tang. Your sword appears to have an odd configuration where the blade portion extends to the cup, then there appears to be a round bar-like cylinder shaped piece of metal where the hilt parts attach. I have not seen this on historical examples.

Anybody else care to chime in on this piece?

[LafayetteCCurtis]

Looks like an old stage combat sword.

[Keith Tankink]

Ah alright. Well thank you two for your input. I bought this at an old garage sale a few years back and was always curious about it.

[LafayetteCCurtis]

You might want to look through old catalogues of stage/theatrical rapiers and the like if you need some more precise identification. It could still be a wallhanger, though; the easiest way to check is to tap the blade hard with your finger or some other light object and see if anything rattles or falls off.