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 Germany in the late 16th-early 17th century. It measures 21 3/4 inches overall with a 16 1/4 inch triangular blade that has a flattened diamond cross-section and three short fullers. There are faint indecipherable maker's marks on both sides of the blade. The simple iron guard is made up of two large curved quillions that are bent slightly outward, along with a side ring that rests above the knuckles when held in the left had. The grip is wrapped with iron wire and the pommel is of a scent stopper shape with a small button shaped finial on the base and a visibly peened tang.

Very good, the blade mostly a bright grey patina with some moderate pitting scattered throughout and a few moderate nicks in the edges. The remainder of the metal shows a grey patina and the wire wrapping of the grip remains tight with some light oxidation.