European Decorative Arts and Sculpture Roundel Dagger Made in western Europe, Europec. 1400 Artist/maker unknown, European Steel; bone or horn * Gallery 245, Arms and Armor, second floor (Kretzschmar von Kienbusch Galleries) 1977-167-678 Bequest of Carl Otto Kretzschmar von Kienbusch, 1977 |
LabelFourteenth- and early fifteenth-century knights carried daggers of this type as side arms; they were designed to pierce mail and take advantage of the gaps in plate armor. The blade is triangular in cross section to ensure maximum rigidity, and sharpened only along one edge. The guard is cut out to fit more comfortably over the knight's right hip. The sword was normally carried on the opposite side.* Works in the collection are moved off view for many different reasons. Although gallery locations on the website are updated regularly, there is no guarantee that this object will be on display on the day of your visit. |
