Left Hand Dagger thumbnail 1
Not currently on display at the V&A

Left Hand Dagger

ca. 1590 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

Blackened iron, with a serrated and toothed blade to snag the opponent's


Object details

Category
Object type
Materials and techniques
blackened iron
Brief description
Main gauche of blackened iron, with a serrated and toothed blade, Spain, ca. 1590
Physical description
Blackened iron, with a serrated and toothed blade to snag the opponent's
Dimensions
  • Length: 45.7cm
Credit line
Gift of Mr. Reginald Jones through Art Fund
Object history
Morgan Williams Collection
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.
Collection
Accession number
M.1-1946

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Record createdApril 2, 2004
Record URL
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