Dagger Called “left Hand” - Spain Or Northern Italy - 17th Century

Dagger Called “Left Hand”
Spain or Northern Italy, 17th century 
Wrought iron and steel 
Total length: 47 ; L.: 24.5 cm
Blade length: 35 cm 
(slight old damage)

This sword has a straight, double-edged steel blade with a two-thirds groove and a thumb piece at the heel. The iron hilt is formed of two straight quillons, openwork with foliate scrolls, ending in a flower bud and a large shell entirely openwork with chased and interlaced arabesque plant motifs - itself decorated with a smaller serrated shell inside. 
The fuse is made of wood and the wrought iron pommel is shaped like a spinning top. 

This dagger was used in fencing duels, as a complement to Taza swords. It had the particularity of being reserved for the 'weak' hand, i.e. the left hand.

A similar example is shown on page 94 of Armes Européennes Histoire d'une collection musée du Louvre by Philippe Malgouyres.

Text and photos © FCP CORIDON

Reference : 4177