This striking 16th century poignard has a hilt of blackened steel with silver applique foliage decorations and flamboyant blade. It is likely of Flemish origin and has a fig-shaped pommel and grip of baluster form. It has short and flat quillons that droop towards the double edged blade. The quillon has an image of a woman in low relief in its centre, balanced by foliate decoration on each of its terminals.
With its flamboyant blade, this poignard is a scultpure in steel. The poignard, or long dagger, was usually carried along with a rapier or sword as a parrying dagger for the non-dominant hand in confrontation. However, it was often carried alone as a fashion accessory, and wreaked no more damage than inflicting envy in other gentlemen around town.