Rondel Dagger
Culture
German
Dateabout 1400–1450
MediumSteel, copper alloy, bone or ivory, traces of gilding
Dimensionsoverall length: 34.9 cm (13 3/4 in.)
diameter: 4.5 cm
blade length: 21 cm (8 1/4 in.)
weight: 316 g (11.1 oz)
diameter: 4.5 cm
blade length: 21 cm (8 1/4 in.)
weight: 316 g (11.1 oz)
ClassificationsArms and Armor
Credit LineHiggins Collection Acquisition Fund, funds by deaccession from the John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection, and the Sarah C. Garver Fund
Object number2018.3
DescriptionBlade of robust diamond cross-section, fairly short. Copper-alloy hilt. Grip and exterior faces of both rondels feature foliate decoration on a stippled background with traces of gilding. Ivory or bone collar in center of grip, probably covering a seam between the upper and lower halves of the grip. Tang peened over a copper alloy washer.Label TextIn addition to his lance, the knight carried a sword as an all-purpose sidearm. He also carried a dagger as a weapon of last resort. The diamond-shaped cross-section on this weapon was designed to penetrate the gaps in a suit of armor and break open the mail armor underneath. Provenance1980s–2014 Private collection, southern Germany; 2014–2018 Andrew Lumley, London, UK
On View
Not on view
1874
