sword. Description: 16th C. Spanish sword. From the History Station: Object: Rapier with cup hilt made in Spain in the 18th century. History: The rapier is a weapon with obvious advantages for the soldiers in the presidios, or forts, of the Alta California. It was sufficiently short and heavy for cutting brush while on the rail. It was excellent in close combat either on horseback or on foot. Its light weight meant the wielder was not likely to lose it by having it stick in his victim, and it had a needle-sharp point capable of giving a deadly wound with the minimum of effort on the part of the user. The rapier's short length meant that it fitted on the saddle easily. It was carried in its leather scabbard attached to the left side of the saddle, under the soldier's leg, with the hilt forward within easy reach of his right hand. Museum Purchase