Description
Circa 1520
The rondel dagger, a trusted companion for over two centuries, was both a practical tool and a deadly weapon in the close confines of battle. This example shows the later style favored by nobles and men-at-arms alike. The solid brass pommel is shaped to nestle comfortably in the hand, its rounded form not only functional but also a subtle mark of its owner’s rank. The characteristic circular guard, or rondel, is straightforward yet purposeful, designed to shield the fingers during thrusts. The grip, fashioned from polished hardwood, provides a secure hold even when the hand is slick with sweat or blood. The blade is long and slender, lightly hollow ground to shed unnecessary weight while retaining strength, tapering to a keen point ideal for finding the gaps in plate armor. Such daggers hung at the hip or thigh, always close at hand for last-resort defense or a decisive strike in the chaos of combat.
- Overall length: 17-1⁄2″
- Blade length: 12″ long, 1-3⁄16″ wide, 3⁄16″ thick
- Weight: 12 oz
Fun fact: Rondel daggers were often carried by knights not just as weapons, but also as practical tools for everyday tasks,proof that even on the battlefield, utility was never far from mind.
