Italian Rapier Late 17th, Engraved Blade

It is a beautiful rapier, probably of Italian origin, although the blade was probably made in Solingen, which is not surprising, since Solingen swordsmiths supplied blades throughout Europe. It can be dated to the end of the 17th century based on the shape of the blade and the guard, or possibly to the very beginning of the 18th century.
BLADE: It is a single-edged blade, with a counter-edging on the last 15 centimeters near the tip, as is usual on Germanic cavalry blades from the 17th century. The blade is richly engraved with floral motifs, trophies, and a cartouche (rectangular frame)  probably intended to contain a motto or attribution, but which remained blank. The engravings continue inside the guard, which suggests a re-use of the blade on this mount.
GUARD: It is the guard with 2 asymmetrical shells which was very fashionable at that time in Spain, where it originated (called "boca de caballo" guard), and which had been taken up in Italy and southern Germany. The two shells are richly decorated in bas relief with stylized animals.
Outer tray: wolves (?), recognizable by their large stuck out tongues, birds and an animal in the center carrying the cross of Christ, but in which it is difficult to recognize the paschal lamb or the Lion of Saint Mark... A chrysanthemum occupies the center of this exterior shell
The interior shell shows the same wolves (?), the same birds facing each other, and in the center a bird in profile which could be a peacock with the tail at rest.
The two quillons are straight, and with 8 facets, they end in a complex faceted coil. Two large donkey steps(finger rings) join the quillons and the shells to which they are fixed by 2 screws.
The guard knuckle bow branch rises in an arc towards the pommel near which it stops without touching it.
POMMEL : it is made of chiseled iron, and shows representations of stylized animals (dogs?)
GRIP : it is covered with a twisted iron wire binding which is probably a later replacement.
This weapon is elegant and unusual. It will bring a touch of originality to a collection of rapiers.
Shipping costs France 30€, Europe 45€
Ref AM-2440