Rapier with Scabbard

Gasparo Mola

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

The hilt decoration includes the coat of arms of the Albani family, possibly Orazio Albani (1576–1653), ambassador from Urbino to the papal court. While clearly influenced by French ornament, the decoration has been attributed to Gasparo Mola (1567–1640), a medalist and goldsmith working in Rome between about 1620 and 1630.

Arms and Armor

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

The principal goals of the Arms and Armor Department are to collect, preserve, research, publish, and exhibit distinguished examples representing the art of the armorer, swordsmith, and gunmaker. Arms and armor have been a vital part of virtually all cultures for thousands of years, pivotal not only in conquest and defense, but also in court pageantry and ceremonial events. Throughout time the best armor and weapons have represented the highest artistic and technical capabilities of the society and period in which they were made, forming a unique aspect of both art history and material culture.

Metropolitan Museum of Art