During the late 15th and into the 16th century a specialized dagger began to appear, like this example, intended to be wielded in the off hand (usually left) alongside a rapier or estoc. The daggers main purpose was for parrying the strikes of the opponent so that the sword wielding hand was free to make counter attacks, hence one of the common names for these types of daggers, the "left hand" dagger. This fine example was likely made in Saxony in the early to mid-16th century. It measures 17 inches overall with a 10 7/8 inch triangular blade that has a flattened diamond cross-section and long (approximately 2 inch) ricassos. The simple iron guard is made up of two large curved quillions ending in bulbous finials that are bent slightly outward, along with a side ring that rests above the knuckles when held in the left had. There may be some faint markings on the upper edge of the thumb side of the guard which are now illegible, but appear to have been five characters. The grip is wrapped with iron wire and the pommel is of a scent stopper or barrel shape with a similarly shaped finial on the base. Provenance: The Collection of Joe M. Wanenmacher Jr

Good, showing mostly a grey patina overall with some scattered mild pitting and the blade retaining a nicely defined shape. The wire wrap of the grip has mostly oxidized together and remains tight.