A Very Rare South German (Bavarian ?) Landsknecht Dagger, ca. 1530-40
 

Hi there,

There finally seems to be a fresh breeze in the A&A market.

This particular item was sold at auction by Bonhams, Knightsbridge, UK, 29 Apr 2010.

The shape of its writhen pommel in the Italian Renaissance manner closely correponds to the contemporary kalzbalgers, hand-and-a-half swords and two-handed swords. The writhen ornament is also characteristic of almost all period items of everyday use including costume and body armor.

The mark is hitherto unknown but could be interpreted as an early form respectively a predecessor of the South German/Austrian sickle marks known from many mid to late 16th century blades. Please see a number of earlier profusely illustrated postings concerning this topic by Jim and others here.

Enjoy,
Michael

Wonderful thing...