A rondel dagger with the strange guard -- myArmoury.com

Ushio Kawana

Hi all

We know the rondel daggers.
And I found a "rondel dagger with the strange guard". Eek!

http://www.allenantiques.com/W-3.html

Chad Arnow · myArmoury Team

These aren't that unusual. Here are some from our Spotlight Article on rondel daggers:

The top one.

Not the greatest picture, but some of these see to have this if I'm interpreting the shadows right.

This one may have a tab that bends down in the back.

And there are more than these. These seem to be German more often than not and dating from the late 15th/early 16th century.

Here's a review of a modern repro: http://www.myArmoury.com/review_em_steelrond.html .

Leo Todeschini · Industry Professional

As Chad says, not at all unusual for this all steel style of dagger and the last example is from The Wallace collection and indeed dos have this folded down tab. I am not sure if it makes it easier to wear or offers a little 'catch' or both; but it looks good.

Tod

Ushio Kawana · Posted: Thu 05 Apr, 2012 2:47 pm Post subject:

Hi all

I have already read "Spotlight: The Rondel Dagger" before post this topic..
But I did not notice... Sad

Thanks

Colt Reeves · Posted: Thu 05 Apr, 2012 6:52 pm Post subject:

I don't think it's as big a deal as you might think at first glance. If I stick my rondel in my belt the pommel end sticks out a fair amount. (Although mine isn't like those depicted, it has an itty-bitty "crossguard" and the pommel isn't even a disc shape, so I don't think this is that different for this issue.) Factor in a large disc for a pommel and I imagine it wouldn't be difficult for someone to wear and use such a dagger in civilian life at least. I can't really comment too much on using one with armour though.

Edit: Concerning being able to pull one in a civilian versus war context, I notice that the examples above are listed as late 15th and early 16th, when armour was in decline...