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Standish Rapier. Material : Steel, iron and wood Blade made in Solingen, Germany, 1630-1650. Ownership attributed to Myles Standish. A rapier is a sword with a stiff, sharply pointed blade used for thrusting, rather than cutting. The blade of this rapier was made in Solingen, known for its production of edged weapons. Standish probably acquired the sword after arriving in Plymouth. It was probably worn with his finest military dress at musters and official events. Myles Standish was the Pilgrims' military leader. Standish had joined the English army; many English and Scottish soldiers fought in the Dutch Wars between The Netherlands and Spain. Standish served in and around Leiden until 1616. There Standish met the Pilgrims. When the Pilgrims decided to emigrate to America, they chose Standish as their military leader to train the colonists in self defense. |