[Chad Arnow]

Hey folks,
Many (most?) surviving ballock daggers have some kind of metal piece between the grip and the blade. Sometimes it's just a plate. Other times, they droop and form rudimentary guards/quillons.

But, I'm more interested in those without any. I'd love to see pics if you have them. I believe examples appear in art without anything between grip and blade and I'd love to see pics of those, too.

Thanks!

[Artis Aboltins]

Take a look at that one - they claim it is 14th century from river Thames.

http://www.allenantiques.com/W-16.html

also here:

http://www.junkmail.co.za/v-capeads-cape-town...EdQX201031

and here

http://www.allenantiques.com/W-1.html

[Julien M]

Hi Chad,

You can find two examples in Weapons and Armours by C Gilliot (hermann historica's highlights). I'll post the pictures later on today.

Should you want a cheap replica, I believe you know these guys, the two J's (I think you purchased a couple of knife sets from them if my memory does not trick me...). They have a very affordable kidney dagger, come with a 6 or 10 inches blade and could be tweaked to something very nice at a minimal cost.

Cheers,

J

[Leo Todeschini]

Many of the Mary Rose daggers don't have plates although a little later than the bollock dagger heartland of the 15th C.

This early Swedish example doesn't.

Regards

Tod