Needle-Point Style Spanish Dagger, Circa 1520

[dana_w]

This dagger was unearthed near Tampa Bay in the early 1960s. The 7 7/8 inch needle-point blade has a shallow diamond cross-section. The crossguard has short down-turned quillons, and is decorated with three deep accent grooves at its center. The pommel is round and decorated with grooves in an oblong curved pattern.

Country: Spain (?)
Overall Length: 12 2/16 inches
Overall Width: 2 3/8 inches
Hilt Length: 4 2/8 inches
Blade Length: 7 7/8 inches
Weight: 5 1/2 ounces

FYI: images Copyright © 2010-2012 Dana Williams, All Rights Reserved

[cornelistromp]

beautiful dagger, but Spanish and 1520?

These so-called Guillon daggers are generally difficult to date and even more difficult to place, but this one has some definite 15th C style characteristics.
The pommel is an Oakeshott type G1, it was mostly seen on weapon and art of Italian origin, cf the sword in the age of chivalry p102, and from the second quarter of the 15th century onwards.
This in combination with in cross-section a flat diamond-shaped blade and a guard with downcurved tips, both popular in the first half of the 15th century, all making me suggest that this dagger can be dated around 1425-1450.

This type pommel has done about 125 years of service 1425-1550, on swords, cinqueda's and daggers and can also be seen around 1535 on a Italian continuation of the medieval arming sword and a predecessor of the rapier , the so-called spada da lato. cf armi bianche italiane 331-336.

However, in combination with the blade and guard, make me think that this is an early dagger and..............Italian


best regards,

[dana_w]

Thanks cornelistromp, My date estimate was based on where it was found. I believe that this dagger came from a site occupied by the Narváez expedition in 1527. So, I knew it was at least that old. Now I know even more, thanks again!

[fernando]

Congratulations, Dana