1698) KNIGHTS GOTHIC RONDEL DAGGER CIRCA 1450 MUSEUM CONDITION: Not a ground find!

Introduction: A Gothic period dagger is exceptionally rare in the collector’s market and highly sought after. Even a ground-find is difficult to acquire.

Based on architecture, the Gothic period lasted from 1180 to 1500. Examples of Knightly daggers such as this are found in  “Der Ritter Freydal Kämpft Hand in Hand,” Part of a series of engravings by Albrecht Dürer (1471-1528). A knight named Freydal defeats Jörg von Weisspriach, both armed only with daggers, pictured.

Description: The dagger is constructed with a reverse cone-shaped ribbed wooden grip, a flat octagonal pommel fitted over the grip with eight pierced heart-shaped decorations, a star-shaped washer with a round finial button, and an octagonal guard decorated en suite with the pommel. The edge on the bottom side of the tapering blade extends the entire length of the blade, the other side of the blade about 2/3. There is a maker’s mark (unidentified) at the base of the blade.

Lengths: Blade 11 inches. Total 15.75 inches.

Condition: Superb.

Discussion:  The Medieval dagger came to fruition in Europe circa 1250. Forms of daggers varied by nationality, fashion, and intended use. The uses of daggers were varied, and everyone, including farmers and knights, used them. Farmers used them to perform their daily work. The knight had a dagger strapped to his belt with a retaining chain (see page 63 in my book). Civilians used daggers/knives for self-defense and eating. Laborers used them in their daily profession. Unlike in past periods, the dagger was now a big part of society and daily life. During this period, knife fighting focused on penetrating mail and other soft armor, such as non-hardened leather or quilted (padded) fabric. Therefore, the primary strike was with a downward grip on the dagger. In modern knife fighting, the opposite is true; now, the upward grip with the blade facing up is most often used. Since people no longer wear armor, an upward knife thrust or slash will easily penetrate contemporary clothing.

Provenance: Private German collection.

Conclusion: This exceptional and highly sought-after Knightly Gothic dagger is priced to sell today for a fraction of its true value at under $3K. ACT -NOW! I will probably never have another one this good at such a low price !!!*