Czech Fencing (part II)

Today we went to Ceske Budejovice. The German name of the city is Budweis, and this is where Budweiser beer originated centuries ago—except that the American Budweiser sued the Czech Budweiser over the trademark and won, which is reminiscent of the news story Tanzania Loses Name To Tanning-Salon Chain from issue 3934 of The Onion except that this one actually happened. The ruling forced Budweiser/Budvar to market itself in the US as Czechvar, which you can find in Trader Joe's and presumably other purveyors of fine intoxicating liquids.

Anyway, in the main square of Budejovice there is a market—I am uncertain whether it is permanent or seasonal—and in the market a booth, and in front of the booth a suit of armor, and in the back of the booth a bunch of swords, among them half a dozen rapiers, one of them a with a really thin blade and light bell guard. The price of the heavier rapiers was CK 3,200 (US$ 139) and the lighter ones CK 1,900 (US$ 82). They seem a little pricey, without considering the complications of flying or shipping them to London (possibly through Spain).

Photos to follow, while I ponder the possibilities.