Left Hand Dagger
ca. 1600 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
Main gauche with a blackened iron hilt, encrusted with silver, with straight quillons and a shell guard, mounted on a diamond section blade with a single medial fuller and chiseled ricasso
Object details
| Category | |
| Object type | |
| Materials and techniques | blackened iron encrusted with silver |
| Brief description | Main gauche with a blackened iron hilt, encrusted with silver, Germany, ca. 1600 |
| Physical description | Main gauche with a blackened iron hilt, encrusted with silver, with straight quillons and a shell guard, mounted on a diamond section blade with a single medial fuller and chiseled ricasso |
| 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.66-1947 |
About this object record
Explore the Collections contains over a million catalogue records, and over half a million images. It is a working database that includes information compiled over the life of the museum. Some of our records may contain offensive and discriminatory language, or reflect outdated ideas, practice and analysis. We are committed to addressing these issues, and to review and update our records accordingly.
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
| Record created | April 2, 2004 |
| Record URL |
Download as: JSONIIIF Manifest
