西洋劍「Rapier」一詞來自西班牙文「紳士的武器」(espada ropera)。在十六世紀初，「Rapier」一詞原用於表示紳士的配劍，到了1550 年左右，「Rapier」才逐漸成為西洋劍的代名詞。

由於西洋劍的劍身細長，因此製造時必須注重完美平衡，否則使用時很難操控，這一件作品可說是經典的鑄劍師傑作。這把西洋劍的劍身在德國索林根 (Solingen) 製造，這裡幾世紀以來一直是知名的優質刀劍製造中心。

這把西洋劍的護手邊緣有反摺的部分，再搭配長型十字護手，可以有效撥擋對手的攻擊，是這類兵器常見的細部設計。劍柄上有精美的雕刻及部分鍍金處理，再加上整體造型纖細修長，讓這件兵器在實用之餘，也值得仔細欣賞。

The origin of the word "rapier" comes from the Spanish “espada ropera”. In the beginning of the 16th century the term had come to mean a sword for use by gentlemen, and around 1550 the term was used for a long, pointed and slender fencing sword.

It was important that with such a long blade the rapier should be perfectly balanced, otherwise it would be difficult to manipulate. This is an excellent example of the sword-smiths work. The blade of the rapier was made in Solingen (Germany), a famous center for quality blade making up till today.

The rapier is characterized by long cross-guard, “quillon”, used to divert the opponent's blows. The guard has functional turned edge to catch the point of the opponent's sword or dagger. The hilt is beautifully chiselled and partially gilded “parcel gilt”. In addition, the entire body of the blade is long and slender, making this weapon not only in terms of its practical application, but also for its artistic qualities.