Hilt might have been fire gilded. A very elegant and interesting rarity.

Description: blade with a makers mark on both sides, inscription on fuller … ‘TOLEDO’…along with talismatic symbols,  straight iron cross guard with spherical ends, the upwardly curved shield with dotted edge with vine engraving and embossed representation of the Madonna and Child, iron pommel in the form of a circular ball, spirally grooved hardwood handle slightly cracked.

Dimensions: total length 19 inches, blade 14.25 inches, guard 9.25 inches.

Discussion: The left-hand dagger proliferated during the period of the Renaissance. Many types of weapons were used for personal defense as well as for a duel. Using the sword combined with a second weapon in the opposite or weak hand was common. The dagger could be used to defend by parrying while the sword attacks. It also had the added advantage of being offensive when the combatants are involved in closed-quarter combat, and the longer reach of the sword is no longer effective. Daggers went out of fashion with the introduction of the small sword.43 cm long blade with flattened middle ridge, in the beginning etching cartridges with inscription (illegible), downward arched iron quillions with pierced disc-shaped ends, engraved decoration, upward vaulted engraving sheet with the representation of a hunter, ribbed iron pommel, handle wood with Brass rings and twisted brass wire wrap

Country of Origin: Spain after 1600.

Condition: Very good.

Provenance: An American collector running out of wall space and is forced to thin his herd.

Conclusion:  As much a weapon as it is a work of art. It is a lot of value for the money and a great conversation piece. It would look equally great in an art, sculpture, Renaissance, or arms and armor collection. It is very reasonably priced at under $3K for an immediate sale!!!*