Left-hand Dagger Signed Thiell Keuller, Late 16th Century

This left-hand dagger is Germanic, it can be dated to the last quarter of the 16th century or the first quarter of the 17th. The blade bears the double crossbow hallmark and the signature of THIELL (Theil) KEULLER (Koller/Kueller/Koeller…), which could be spelled in different ways. This famous maker worked in Solingen between 1580 and 1620, with other members of his family such as Konrad, Peter, Klemens… The blade, like the whole weapon, gives off an impression of power, it was obviously designed for combat.
BLADE : After a thick ricasso of 5.4 cm long , it takes on a diamond-shaped section. On the ricasso, there are two fullers, each of which bears the crossbow hallmark of Thiell/Theil Keuller/Koller. A median fuller is on the center of each side up to 8 cm from the tip. On each side, we find the inscription - : - + THIELL + - : - + KEVLLER
Blade length = 26.5 cm, Width at the ricasso = 1.5 cm, thickness at the ricasso 8.3 mm
The balance point of the weapon is exactly at the level of the guard, which gives it an excellent balance when handling.
GUARD : It is a ring guard of typical shape of the region and of the late 16th century. It has two solid baluster quillons, slightly curved towards the blade and ending in a small button.
POMMEL : It is particularly unusual, since it has the shape of the head of a hunting dog (probably a German shorthaired pointer) surmounted by a small button on which the tang of the blade is riveted.
GRIP : it is twisted, and covered with a double copper wire binding twisted in chevrons, alternating with a double smooth copper wire binding.
The braided copper ferrules known as "Turk's heads" are present and in good condition.

This unusual weapon probably belonged to a gentleman who had a particular affection for his hunting dog, since he wanted it to feature prominently on his weapon. The overall condition of the weapon is excellent.
Ref C25/2-10
Shipping costs France €20, Europe €30