1271) BEAUTIFUL ITALIAN LEFT HAND DAGGER WITH SHELL GUARD CIRCA 1600: Superb construction on a stout dagger in near mint condition.
Discussion: Left-hand daggers (a modern term) were essential to the fencing strategy. Left-hand daggers are used in conjunction with the rapier to maximize a combatant‚ swordsmanship. The left-hand dagger was used to parry, block, trap, and redirect the opponent‚ sword to create an opening for the rapier to administer the ‚Äúcoup de grace.‚Äù However, a good swordsman could also reverse the roles and use the rapier to set up the left hand dagger for the finishing stroke. In the past, swords were thicker, heavier and stronger because opponents on the battlefield used armor. Because the rapier and left-hand dagger were a civilian implement of defense with no armor involved, the sword could be much lighter and wielded more effectively with one hand. Left-hand daggers were usually made with three different hilt types: (1) Cruciform shape: The quillons were horizontal, stout, long, and sometimes swelled at the tips. (2) Bent downward: In an effort to trap the opponent‚ blade with a simple twist of the wrist, most left-hand daggers had downward-turned quillons. Downward-turned quillons also redirected the opponent‚ blade to create an opening to attack. (3) Opposite bend: In some less common examples, one quillon was turned downward to trap the opponent‚ blade, and the other quillon bent in the opposite direction (facing upward) to function as a knuckle guard and protect the swordsman‚ hand. A protective ring or shell at the quillon block served the purpose of protecting the hand from a redirected blade that could have slid down and disabled the swordsman‚ hand. The blade tapers to the tip, most with a medial ridge for added strength. Most blades were double-edged and had a ricasso. Some blades were pierced with decorative patterns or cut with intricate indentations (see page 328‚ #15-A in my book). These features were not just for decoration; they served the same purpose as a fuller on a sword. They made the dagger lighter without sacrificing the rigidity or strength of the blade. Contrary to what the Victorians thought, the piercings on the blade were not for poison but simply for decoration. Most rapiers‚Äô blade decoration mirrored the decoration of the left-hand dagger blade.
Conclusion: A true collectible at a price most collectors can afford. Thick heavy duty construction, excellent condition. Waiting for its new owner in its 400 year plus journey. Priced to sell way under true value!!!*
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