Strange bladed Rothenberg bollock dagger report -- myArmoury.com

Leo Todeschini · Industry Professional

This dagger is a composite piece with a grip heavily based on a piece from Rothenberg and the blade is based on a dagger shown below, but I do not know the source of the picture or the piece.

The collection at Rothenberg has a great many stunning pieces, bit unfortunately I have yet to get there to study them in person, but the hilt from this dagger is based on a piece from there. The top cap has a latin inscription that is variously translated, but I think says 'The right hand of God makes wonder", the cap is in bronze and the original has a silver plate set below cut outs. The grip itself is dyed and waxed elm and the guard is also in bronze.

The blade is very curious and I have only ever seen the one shown below. Although I don't have dates for this piece it is pretty similar to the Rothenberg one and I would also suspect German in origin. I don't think the shape has a purpose as such, but it is certainly worth a second look. The ricasso is flat and tapers in, the blade section is hollow ground and the tip has been left reinforced to create a very strong diamond.

The scabbard is double layer veg tan leather with a moulded central rib and two simple loops and a bronze chape.

The blade is 11.5"/29cm
Grip is 3.5"/9cm
Overall length 17"/43cm
Blade thickness at hilt 3/8"/9mm

Tim Harris · Industry Professional

As ever, wonderful stuff.

Peter Johnsson · Industry Professional

Great work on that dagger Tod.

Be warned however: many pieces of the Rothenburg collection might not be as old as they seems to be.
It is wise to be very cautious in accepting them as genuine.
Several swords share suspicious and even damning evidence of tampering. At best composite pieces, at worst blatant fakes.
It is impossible to be 100% sure based on photographs alone, but it has to be pointed out that this is one of the last collections one should draw inspiration from when studying medieval edged weapons. There are other collections that has objects with a more secure dating and provenance.

The last photograph of the three daggers, shows one that is currently in the Deutshces Klingenmuseum. It is a great looking piece with bold forms and in a very good state of preservation. The blade might be original, but the hilt is probably a modern replacement. I discussed this with Lutz Hoffmesiter at the museum. He has doubts as to the authenticity of the whole piece. I tend to think that blade is original. Just goes to show how difficult this can be.

Leo Todeschini · Industry Professional

Thanks guys.

Peter Johnsson wrote

Neil Melville · Posted: Thu 07 Apr, 2016 5:34 am Post subject:

That's a striking dagger, Tod, and if I can offer a small correction: the Latin inscription means
The Right Hand of the Lord has made Valour/Courage, i.e. has made the bearer courageous.
More strength to your arm.
Neil

Jeffrey Faulk · Posted: Thu 07 Apr, 2016 1:57 pm Post subject:

I must say I am intrigued by the narrow bladed dagger in the middle of the historic photo, with the asymmetrical grip. Any info on that one? Thoughts about the grip shape?

Tomek Kowmal Ciupinski · Industry Professional

Beautiful details, beauty inspiration. Rich techniques workshop. Great.

Leo, use a lower temperature flame (steel - copper) - see the bubble on the insert.
I also happen. Wink

Matt Corbin · Posted: Fri 08 Apr, 2016 1:50 pm Post subject:

Well Tod, regardless of any questions of the originals provenance, your dagger is stunning. As to the dyed grip, would that have been how they did it historically? Or is yours meant to represent something like ebony/blackwood on the "original"?

Leo Todeschini · Industry Professional

Tomek Clupinski wrote