French Dague De Vertu / Women’s Self-defence Stiletto, Horn Handle & Maillechort Scabbard C19th

A classic 19th-century French dague de vertu — the small personal-defence stiletto traditionally carried by women in urban areas. This example has a spiral-carved horn handle, a small steel cross-guard with ball terminals, and its original maillechort (nickel-silver) scabbard with suspension ring.

The blade is a slender stiletto form with a faceted profile, typical of these discreet self-defence weapons. Pieces of this type were kept concealed in garments, handbags, garters or boots.

These daggers are known in period slang as pique-couilles, and contemporary sources record that they were used by women for personal protection — including, notably, prostitutes, who often carried them as a precaution in dangerous urban districts. Because of this association, they are sometimes collected under the name “prostitute’s dagger”, though the proper historical term remains dague de vertu (“dagger of virtue”).

A very good, honest example with attractive patina to the horn and maillechort.

Total length in scabbard: 22.58 cm
Material: Horn handle, steel blade & guard, maillechort scabbard
Date: 19th century
Condition: Good condition

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