German Steel Rondel Wallace Collection A728

This German renaissance rondel dagger is a classic all steel form in fashion from around 1480-1540 and this particular example is very closely copied from an early 16thC piece in the Wallace Collection in London.

The top guard is formed from two thin sheets of steel and crimped together around the rim to create a large and imposing form without the massive weight that it looks like it should have.  Finished with incised file work decoration to the top face.

The tubular steel handle although thin, seats perfectly in the hand and due to its length it is clearly made for wearing with gauntlets.  The fore guard is simply made of bent steel with forms filed in.

The blade is 25cm/10″ long and is triangular in section, a feature that is typical of German and some French rondels of this period.

Finished with a double layer naturally tanned leather sheath with a steel chape and hemp suspension cords.

Overall length 37cm/14.5″

Blade length 22cm/10″

Grip length 10.5.cm/4.25″