Left Hand Dagger thumbnail 1
Not on display

Left Hand Dagger

ca. 1650 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

Pierced and chiselled steel hilt. En suite with cup hilt rapier M.97-1921

Object details

Category
Object type
Materials and techniques
Pierced and chiselled steel
Brief description
Main gauche with a pierced and chiselled steel hilt en suite with the cup hilt rapier M.97-1921, Spain, ca. 1650
Physical description
Pierced and chiselled steel hilt. En suite with cup hilt rapier M.97-1921
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.
Associated object
M.97-1921 (Object)
Bibliographic reference
Hayward, J.F. Swords and Daggers. London: HMSO, 1963
Other number
23 - Hayward, Swords and Daggers
Collection
Accession number
M.123-1921

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Record createdMarch 25, 2004
Record URL
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