Large Left Hand Dagger, Saxony Circa 1580-1600

This large left-handed dagger is typical of Saxony. Based on the geometry of its guard and hilt, it can be dated from the end of the 16th century or the beginning of the 17th century. The grip mount is unusual, with a covering of two wide strips of ray skin, or "shagreen", separated by vertical steel strips.
BLADE: After a long ricasso of 3.4 cm, it takes on a two-edged shape, separated by four thin central fullers. On the outer face, at the level of the ricasso, there is a hallmark in the shape of a crowned head which could correspond to one of the different hallmarks used by Peter Wundes "the Younger" around 1630, although the style of the dagger suggests an earlier date. We can also think of Peter Wundes "the elder" who also used a punch with the crowned king and was active around 1580
Blade length = 27.6 cm width at the ricasso = 2.6 cm, thickness at the ricasso = 4.6mm
GUARD: It is a wide guard with a central ring, and 2 flattened quillons curved forward.
POMMEL: of complex shape, with 8 faces and multiple grooves perpendicular to the long axis of the dagger. It is topped with a small flattened faceted button, on which the tang of the blade is riveted.
GRIP : it is covered with two strips of ray skin, separated by steel strips which join the 2 ferrules At each end of the handle, there is an iron ferrule cut in the shape of a flower.
This dagger is elegant, and not very common on the market. It could perfectly complement a Saxon rapier which would have a similar handle, but on its own it is already interesting. It will fit harmoniously into a collection of Haute Epoque weapons.
Ref D-2570
Postage France €20, Europe €30