Highlander Swords
Richie Ryan's Don Quixote Rapier

*Attention Vendors*
If you do not wish to be represented on this site, or I have mistakenly left you out, please E-Mail me.


Richie's Rapier is another sword that I have been asked to profile. The weapon was given to Richie by Duncan MacLeod in the second season episode "Eye For An Eye". It has since appeared in every episode Richie has been in through the 5th season, where the Rapier was shattered in battle, forcing Richie to replace it.

Don Quixote Rapier
Allright, I admit it, this isn't really Richies Rapier. It is however the closest you can get anymore.

If you want Richies exact Rapier, you need to find a "used" one. It just isn't made anymore. Richies Rapier was made by Marto in 1992 to commemorate the 500th anniversary of Christopher Columbus' voyage to the New World. Marto made a total of 500 of them.

In appearance, the Don Quixote is very close, but the differences in the Columbus Commemorative are thus:
The clamshell handguard, while having the same overall shape, has (on the small side) two shields, each shield divided into quarters, each quarter having in it a crest, one shield on either side of an anchor. Behind the shields and anchor is a laurel wreath. On the large side of the clamshell is a representation of the Nina, the Pinta, and the Santa Maria; one ship in the foreground, visible in great detail; the other two ships flanking it in the distance. Over the ships is a ribbon which reads:
>\ 1492 \ + 500 + / 1992 /<

The grip on the Columbus Commemorative is wrapped with silver wire under the gold strips which section the grip into quarters, instead of the velvet that wraps the grip of the Don Quixote.

Other than that the pommel, the quillions, the guard around the fingers, and the blade are all identical to the Don Quixote. So, if you can't find any of the commemorative rapiers for sale, you'll need to get a Don Quixote. Just remember it is NOT 100% exact. On the internet, there are four vendors who sell the Don Quixote Rapier.

Statistics:
  • Made by Marto.
  • Blade is made from 420C tempered stainless steel.
  • Has a fuller ending at mid blade.
  • Has a blood groove that extends down to the middle of the blade.
  • Hardness of Rockwell 56.
  • Guard and pommel are gold plated.
  • Handle is covered with dark green velvet.
  • Comes live (sharpened).
  • 40" overall length.
  • *For display use only. Not "Battle Ready".*

Information about the Columbus Commemorative Sword supplied by Patrick W. Heinske -- LZeitgeist@aol.com

Images:
(You will need to use the back button on your browser to return.)
View of the rapier with other blades. Don Quixote is in the foreground.(23k)
Larger view of the same.(98k)
View of the hilt of the rapier.(8k)
View of the entire sword.(3k)
Don Quixote rapier in front of ... er ... plasma.(63k)(I believe it is the same view as the first image, just a different background)

Vendors:
Sir Lancelots Distinguished Cutlery $250
Fantasy Cutlery $300
Swords 'N' Stuff $320
Wintersteel Armory $375



May 16 1997 By: kortwein@globalbiz.net

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