Parrying Dagger For Comment
 

I've been told this parrying dagger is German and dates from the late 16th century. Does anyone recognize the mark?

15 1/2 ounces
16 3/16 inches long overall
5 5/8 inches wide overall
2 1/16 inches tall overall
Blade Length 10 7/8 inches
Blade Width 1 1/16 inches at the guard

Photo (c) 2017 by Dana K. Williams

I think this attribution is pretty much spot on, and this curious mark seems to ring so familiar, yet despite its simplicity it is a tough one to find.

In Wallace Coll. (Mann, 1962, p.371, A728; A729) there are two German 'rondel' daggers described as German first half 16th c.
The marks appearing on both have heavier versions of this dual arcs joined by vertical line mark, stated a makers mark but no identification given. There are apparently others with the same mark in various museum holdings.

The closest thing to this simple device found among makers marks would be that of Johannes Kohl the Elder (1580-1620), which has the arcs, vertical line but with a transverse line bisecting the vertical one (Kinman, p.47). This is one of this family marks, but seems to fall into the probable period of this left hand dagger. These, while falling out of use elsewhere, were becoming more well known en suite with rapiers in Spain and Italy.

Until more precise identification of the mark is found, it seems plausible it may be a variation of these German marks of unidentified maker in mid 16th c. , perhaps adopted in variation by Kohl (he later used a majuscule K or a crucifix.

On the other hand, uh, the 'left' :) this could well be an Italian version using that mark from the repertoire of German marks sometimes used in Italy, and produced first half of 17th c. This does seem more compelling given the baroque manner of the motif.

Always a pleasure to hear your thoughts, Jim. Unless something more definitive develops I plan on including your speculation when I publish the photos.

There is a Left-Hand Dagger which somewhat resembles mine in Peter Finer's 2002 catalog, item #33. The decoration style is attributed to the Munich School of iron-chisellers. see attached images.

Victoria and Albert Museum, number: M.64-1950
***
Sword with a chiselled steel hilt, blued against a gilt ground, by Daniel or Emanuel Sadeler, Prague or Munich, the blade signed ‘Alonso Perez en Toledo’, 1600-20.

(Sword) Steel, chiselled, blued and gilt.

The chiselling of the hilt is based on designs by Delaune.
***
http://www.vam.ac.uk/blog/engraved-o...enne-delaune-1

Dana, VERY, VERY NICELY DONE!!!
As noted, my speculation was plausible, but your research has I think nailed this spot on. Still puzzled by the mark though.
Thank you for sharing this and all the info....my notes adjusted accordingly.

All the best
Jim

Thanks, Jim. Here are a few more links which others might find helpful.

Parrying Daggers and Poniards, by Leonid Tarassuk, The Metropolitan Museum of Art:
http://www.metmuseum.org/pubs/journa...f.bannered.pdf

Munich School Of Iron-Chisellers:
See: Peter Finer's 2002 Catalog Item 33

See: American Society Of Arms Collectors
GUNS OF THE MUNICH COURT WORKSHOP AND OTHER GERMAN WHEELLOCK GUNS OF THE PERIOD by Charles S. Hendricks
http://americansocietyofarmscollecto..._Hendricks.pdf

Mannerist Pattern-Books:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northern_Mannerism

Etienne Delaune:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C3%89tienne_Delaune

Dana, thank you for your links and your photos.
Regards