[Ed T.]

I recently introduced my Tod's Stuff rondel dagger. http://www.myArmoury.com/talk/viewtopic.php?t=19786 . Can anybody document the criss-cross diamond carving pattern on the horn handle from a dagger or sword dating from 1415 or earlier? I need to find and example in order to have this lovely dagger vetted by my living history group. Thanks.

Ed T.

[Chad Arnow]

Here's a similar grip pattern, from our Rondel Dagger spotlight:



It's dated circa 1490, which is earlier than you're looking for.

[Ed T.]

[Chad Arnow]

I can find a number of examples of the carving from after your period, which doesn't help you. I'll attach 2 pics of one just so people can see it; it's pretty close to yours.

Also attached is one that uses a crisscross pattern from circa 1400. It's an all-metal dagger hilt which may have been cast rather than carved. It certainly doesn't have quite the topography that your example has.

Also, you can find images of sword grips from the 14th century with crisscross patterns on them. It may well be a surface treatment rather than carving, but it's the same idea.