Dean Castle Arms and Armour

Left hand dagger with curved crossguard

Period:

17th Century

Description:

From the late Middle Ages going into the Early Modern period, the practice of wearing swords or rapiers as an accessory to civilian dress became more common, with these blades serving as both personal adornment and personal defence. As a result, parrying daggers such as this object, and short swords, were used to block the strike of opponents in non-military situations.

 

This left hand dagger, is an example of such a weapon. The dagger has a wire wrapped tang to form its grip. Its S-shaped crossguard and fingerloop are decorated with floral designs, and Classical and cherubic figures. The object has three pierced fullers that emerge from the base of the doubl-edged blade at its ricasso, with the central fuller continuing along the bottom two thirds of its length.

 

The S-shaped crossguard serves as a stylisation. However it also functions to help control the opponent's blade, as by twisting the dagger, it is possible to catch the opponent's blade on the crossguard. 

Place of Production:

Italy

Dimensions:

L: 160mm

Source:

Dean Castle

Digital Number:

RI_DC_0000034

Copyright:

East Ayrshire Council