Description:

Europe, Medieval to Renaissance period, ca. 13th to 16th century CE; Western Europe, likely Germany, ca. 15th to 16th century CE. Two iron weapons: a well-preserved double-edged dagger and a short sword/dagger known as a bollock dagger, featuring a distinctive wooden handle from which it derives its name. The shorter blade has a straight cross guard, while the tang is capped by a button pommel, the wooden or bone handle long since disintegrated. The bollock dagger is a medieval weapon and utility tool, aptly named for its bulbous guard that resembles male anatomy. The handle is capped by a rondel cap and brass rosette. Originating in Northern Europe around the 13th century, it was widely used by civilians and soldiers for self-defense and practical tasks. The bulging "bollock" guard served both symbolic and functional purposes, protecting the hand from sliding onto the blade and symbolizing masculinity and virility. Size of bollock dagger: 18.6" L x 2.3" W (47.2 cm x 5.8 cm); blade only: 12" L x 1" W (30.5 cm x 2.5 cm)

Provenance: private London, UK collection; ex-private W.P. collection, since the 1990s, acquired on the German art market

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#190227

    Condition:
  • Short dagger is missing handle grip as shown. Patina and pitting, but overall great condition. Bollock dagger has a losses to the wood handle and pressure fissures. Pitting and chips to blade, heavy patina.

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January 9, 2025 8:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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