Hi Jim,
I am convinced that the three lobes on these daggers followed a well-documented Gothic stylistic tradition:
the Gothic trefoil (German
Dreipass).
E.g., smith's marks were often struck double or three times on Gothic and Early-Renaissance ironworks like axt blades and barrels. Also, the trefoil itself was often employed as a means of decoration in that period.
Attached please find, in order of appearance:
- double trefoil arch above the Virgin's head, French, ca. 1375
- trefoil pommel, painting of St. Martin, museum Mühlheim
- trefoil pommel, Italian saber, ~1520-25, author's colln. (3 images)
- trefoil pommel, ca. 1520
- Italian swords with trefoil pommels, early 16th c., from
Armi Bianche Italiane.
- trefoil-shaped padlock, mid-16th c.
- trefoil-shaped staghorn flask, extremely rare, engraved with an annunciation scene, Nuremberg, ca. 1540, author's colln. (3 images)
- trefoil element in Gothic architecture: arch on left side (Master of the Annunciation of Aix, ca. 1440)
Indeed, I'm eager to 'drink' more from Jaspers rich well of expertise!
Best wishes,
Michael