Hello!

My name is Paul Macdonald and recently joined the group.

I am a Scottish swordmaker and historical fencing master who has
recently undertaken an interesting commission that you may find of
interest.

Last November, a customer enquired about making a custom rapier for
his father, a reproduction of one from a movie, and included a few
images. It was of course no less than the Inigo rapier.

I offered a few options on its creation, the hilt made in plain
steel with gold laquer finish and stones inset, the same with
surface engraving throughout or...the full works. Fully carved
overall, gold plated, jewel encrusted with ivory grip.
I am pleased to say that he could afford and chose the latter.

The first sword I shall have made for a six fingered man!

I tracked down the original swordmaker who made the swords for the
movie, including Inigos rapier. Unfortunately, he had no original
designs or masters for casting that may have shown exact detail of
the hilt. So..I had no choice but to start from scratch.

As far as I am aware, this shall be the FIRST reproduction of this
sword ever made. The sword has been in creation for months since
ordering and is taking shape. All hilt pieces are fully carved and
in the foundry ready for casting in brass or bronze.
They shall then be assembled and the first two complete hilts sent
off for gold plating. Then real gemstones shall be inset (32 per
sword) and the whole piece gripped and hilted up to the blade.

As I had no exact hilt detail to copy, I set to making it more
interesting. The hilt carvings tell the stories of the three main
characters associated with the sword, Inigo, his father Domingo and
Count Rugen. I shall keep all members of the forum posted as to
progress on the sword.

Yours Very Truly,

Paul Macdonald,
Macdonald Armouries,
Macdonald Academy of Arms