Rapier of D. João de Mascarenhas

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The sword wielded by D. João de Mascarenhas can be defined as a rapier, a type of sword that emerged from the Spanish ropera in late XVI century. Unlike military swords, rapiers were used in more refined and courteous settings. This ornamental item was favored by nobility throughout XVII and XVIII centuries and when used in combat, it would primarily be employed in duels. Given that duelists could not wear armor or carry shields, the use of rapiers led to the development of defensive techniques based solely on body movement and blocking with the sword itself. Typically, the rapier was a lightweight and well-balanced sword featuring a guard shaped like a cup. In contrast, D. João's sword does not conform to this standard since its guard consists only of a circular section followed by three cross-guards arranged similarly.