16th Century Rondel Dagger With Engraved Blade

This rondel dagger is from Germanic origin and can be dated to the 16th century. In fact, the engravings on the blade leave no doubt: the style of the decoration is clearly later than the 15th century, and the text "SOLA FIDE" "SOLUS CHRISTUS" is a clear evocation of Martin Luther's "five solae": Sola Fide, Solus Christus, Sola Scripta, Sola Gratia, Soli Deo Gloria… (Faith alone, Christ alone, Scripture alone, Grace alone, to God alone be the Glory), as formulated by Luther at the Diet of Worms in 1521. This places us, therefore, in the period of the beginning of the Reformation, around 1530-1540. It is probable that a gentleman convinced of Luther's ideas at the beginning of the Reformation wanted to have some of these fundamental precepts engraved on hisown  dagger.
BLADE : It has four sides that gradually converge to form the point. The edges are decorated with oval notches over a length of about twelve centimeters. The first three centimeters of each facet are engraved with a vegetal motif, then a small oblique ring separates this section from the rest of the blade. On two opposite faces, after a small cross, are the inscriptions "SOLA FIDE" and "SOLUS CHRISTUS," and on the other two faces, after a small cross, a vegetal garland.
Blade length = 34.5 cm, width near the guard 1.2 cm.
GUARD : This is the typical round guard, with notches around the edge, which is discreetly engraved with very small motifs. A subtle line motif highlights the outer edge of the guard.
POMMEL:  It has the same shape as the guard and the same decorative elements. A small copper disc in the shape of a flower, to which the tang of the guard is riveted, surmounts this pommel.
GRIP : It is covered in ray skin and decorated with twists into which a twisted steel wire binding is inserted (possibly a later restoration?)
. Shipping costs France €20, Europe €30
Ref E-25/2-10