Left Hand Dagger and Sheath thumbnail 1
Left Hand Dagger and Sheath thumbnail 2
+4
images
Image of Gallery in South Kensington
On display at V&A South Kensington
Europe 1600-1815, Room 6, The Lisa and Bernard Selz Gallery

Left Hand Dagger and Sheath

early 17th century (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

The hilt and scabbard mounts chiselled and blued against a gilt ground, by Emanuel or Daniel Sadeler.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Parts
This object consists of 2 parts.
(Some alternative part names are also shown below)
  • Dagger
  • Main Gauche
  • Left Hand Dagger
  • Sheath
Materials and techniques
chiselled steel, blued and gilt
Brief description
Main gauche and sheath, the hilt and mounts chiselled and blued against a gilt ground, by Emanuel or Daniel Sadeler, Bavaria (Munich), early 17th century
Physical description
The hilt and scabbard mounts chiselled and blued against a gilt ground, by Emanuel or Daniel Sadeler.
Dimensions
  • Sheathed dagger length: 42.4cm
  • Quillons (crossbars on hilt) width: 13.5cm
  • Hilt depth: 4.9cm
Credit line
Bequeathed by D. M. Currie
Historical context
A system of fencing which used a dagger defensively held in the left hand was introduced in the first half of the 16th century. It remained popular in Spain and Italy throughout the 17th century. The blade of a 'main gauche' or 'left hand' dagger was usually straight and double edged, frequently with prongs or serrations designed to catch an opponent's blade. The counterguard of Spanish daggers was often triangular and the guard was usually decorated en suite with the rapier.
Bibliographic references
  • Hayward, J.F. Swords and Daggers. London: HMSO, 1963
  • Patterson, Angus, Fashion and Armour in Renaissance Europe: Proud Lookes and Brave Attire, V&A Publishing, London, 2009, ISBN 9781851775811, p. 61, ill.
Other number
11 - Hayward, Swords and Daggers
Collection
Accession number
M.174:1&:2-1921

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Record createdMarch 23, 2004
Record URL
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