Left Hand Dagger
mid 16th century (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
Main gauche with a chiselled and gilt iron hilt, Italy, mid 16th century
Object details
| Category | |
| Object type | |
| Parts | This object consists of 2 parts. (Some alternative part names are also shown below)
|
| Brief description | Main gauche with a chiselled and gilt iron hilt, Italy, mid 16th century |
| Credit line | Bequeathed by D. M. Currie |
| Object history | The companion rapier to this dagger is in the Muséé de L'Arméé, Paris, and is said to have been bought in Naples. The blade was originally in a 19th century hilt in the 16th century style (M.105-1921) |
| 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.173-1921 |
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| Record created | April 2, 2004 |
| Record URL |
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