1946 Dagger

1946) SUPERB DECORATED STOUT SWISS BASILARD DAGGER WITH WOODEN GRIP CIRCA 1400:

Introduction: The early basilard dagger is typically known for its distinctive H-shaped or I-shaped hilt, where both the crossguard and the pommel have a similar cross-piece. The pommel often takes a V or Y shape to match the guard, which gives the weapon its characteristic shape. The masses used the basilard, from peasants to the knightly class. Basilards varied in length from 12-inch daggers to swords over 36 inches.

………”There is no man worth a leke, Be he sturdy, be he meke, But he bear a basilard”…..

An anonymous satirical song during the period of Henry V.

Description: Constructed with a very broad, stout tapering blade of flattened-diamond section with decoration in the short pair of fullers on each face, highly sought-after iron T-shaped pommel with an integral guard en suite with downward Y pointing quillons, wooden grips almost certainly the original pair but recently conserved/restored, retained by several hollow copper alloy rivets, in good condition possibly not a ground find.

Length: approximately 13 inches.

Provenance: By tradition, found in lower Bavaria.

Discussion: Basilard is a French or Latin term identifying a dagger with a hilt shaped like a capital I (or, in our example, a capital T) developed during the 1300s. Basilards appear in contemporary literature, poetry, paintings, effigies, brasses, and other period representations. After circa 1350, the basilard became a favorite of civilians and peasants in England.

The basilard was probably the most used dagger circa 1350 in Western and Central Europe. The basilard was believed to have originated in South Germany or North Italy in the late 1200s; this appears in many older publications. However, a discovery at the Datini archives in Prato, Italy, dated 1375 by Claude Blair of the Victoria and Albert Museum, indicates the dagger’s origin is Basel, Switzerland, hence the name Basilard.

The basilard was part of mainstream Medieval Europe. A few basilards have survived that were made for the megawealthy. Basilard sheaths are rare. Their sheaths consisted of a metal throat, chape, and middle band. Because leather is organic, few leather sheaths have survived.

The sheath was worn in various ways:

1) On the right side, hanging from the belt, sword belt, or sword hanger.

2) Hanging in the front from the sword belt.

3) Seldom carried on the lower back. The basilard finally evolved into the Swiss (Holbein) dagger in the late 1490s. Some refer to the original variant as the Swiss basilard (see page 320 in my book).

Conclusion: I love the thick stoutness of this dagger. Seldom are they this wide. A very rare and highly sought-after typology of dagger that really stands out when you look at it hanging on the wall from across the room. A great addition to any museum or private collection. Very reasonably priced for a quick sale. ACT-NOW, this one should sell quickly.!!!*

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I believe you will be very pleased. ACT-NOW!!!*

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