german rapier 17th century Lord of the Rings The brim offered additional protection

The brim offered additional protection against downward strikes and projectiles

The brim provided protection against downward blows and projectiles

dress or armour to emphasise the waist for a pleasing fit

the pig-faced visor has ventilation holes on one side

The Teutonic Knights were one of the most experienced orders of knighthood

german rapier 17th century Lord of the Rings The brim offered additional protectionThe rapier first came into use around 1500 and until the end of the seventeenth century it remained the principal weapon of European citizens and nobility. Noble soldiers employed the rapier mainly for warfare it was particularly well suited to stabbing between plate armour and leather armour but also for ceremonial purposes such as parades. The rapier was likewise employed for fencing and duels between gentlemen, and so became a permanent attribute