GERMAN LEFT HAND DAGGER, LATE 16TH CENTURY

Excavated example in its earliest form.  14 ¾” length. Thick diamond section blade with thumb rest one side. Gross guard, originally with loop guard and quillions. Faceted pommel. This dagger would have been made en suite with a heavy rapier and used by a mounted warrior. The rapier in its earliest form, the swept hilt, evolved from the broadsword as a military weapon for fighting on horseback. The girth of the horses necessitated that the blades be longer than for fighting on foot.