The lovely form and decoration of this blade conceal a much more serious function; to parry and capture an opponents blade. The opened clefts flanking the ricasso allow a blade to be captured more easily than the closed clefts above, but does not assure success, as a quick twist and withdrawal of the blade, a move perfected by most swordsmen, freed the blade. The interior of the guard mounts a pierced and embossed plate which is decorated en suite with the guardo polvo of the rapier to which it was matched originally. The ricasso is struck with a maker's mark each side and the dagger is preserved in exceptional condition throughout. 17 7/8” length blade.