Rondel dagger's rondels -- myArmoury.com

Randall Moffett · Posted: Sat 16 Feb, 2008 9:22 am Post subject: Rondel dagger's rondels

So I am working on a rondel dagger and was curious if the rondels were ever made of layered metal for the rondels instead of one solid brass or iron one? For example two layers of brass with a steel one between for the guard and the pommel rondels? I have looked through many of my museum folders for anything on this but have been unable to find any examples.

I have a wonderful blade and very nice yew handle so I really want the rondels to be very nice as well to match.

Any comments on this occurance? Manufacture?

Thanks,

RPM

Justin King · Industry Professional

There are examples with composite rondels, sometimes two thin plates of metal with horn or other material in between.

Randall Moffett · Posted: Sat 16 Feb, 2008 11:09 am Post subject:

Justin,

Thanks. I had thought I has seen one before but have been unable to find one aside from in effigies. Any ideas of where one may reside? I checked my RA and BM pictures already but am still lacking any idea of how the7y are assembled. Are they just kept in by hammering the tang down or are there rivets in the rondels themselves?

Thanks again!

RPM

Chad Arnow · myArmoury Team

Some of the composite rondels seem to be just stacks of materials (metal, wood, horn, bone) held together by the compression of the peen. I've seen others that are riveted through.

There are also rondel dagges where the rondels are hollow metal, made of two pieces usually riveted together.

Norman McCormick · Posted: Sat 16 Feb, 2008 2:48 pm Post subject:

Hi,
I made this one recently, the components are all secured together by a small pommel nut, this dagger was not meant to be historically accurate but peening would have the same effect. The rondel sandwich is steel and mahogany, I'm sure I've seen historical examples with metal outers and a wood core but it wasn't clear from the illustration how the bits were held together.
Regards,
Norman

Randall Moffett · Posted: Sat 16 Feb, 2008 10:44 pm Post subject:

Chad,

Thanks for that information. Looks like I can decide what I'd like to do then. I am still thinking about getting some more yew and stacking it. I think it's have a nice effect between brass.

Norman,

Very nice knife! Looks like a sturdy arrangement so I may just use the end pommel to keep it on. I was just worried if they would become looser than normal with just the tang peened to secure them.

Thanks again everyone who has helped me out!

RPM