Spanish "main Gauche" Dagger Known As "verduguillo"

This "Main Gauche" dagger is Spanish and dates fromthe first half of the 17th century. Its distinctive feature is a blade that is very unusual for a Main Gauche dagger , as while it is very sturdy, it has a slender, elongated shape characteristic of the daggers called  “verduguillo,” . This name is also used to describe certain rapiers with this type of thin blade .
This choice of blade shape was driven by several factors: Wounds inflicted by this type of blade were deep and very difficult to treat. But above all, the blade’s reduced width, while still being very sturdy, allowed it to pass through the rings of a chainmail coat and, of course, also through the opponent’s clothing, even if it was thick.
It is therefore very tempting to describe this weapon as a “spasacino's dagger” or “assassin’s dagger.” One can easily imagine its owner lying in wait for his victim at the corner of a dark alley in Seville or Granada
Although it has this narrow blade, the guard is very sturdy and features a large finger ring. It is asturdy weapon, a true “left-handed” blade, which perfectly complements the type of narrow rapier known in Spanish as “verduguillo” (from“verdugo” = “executioner”).
BLADE : after an initial 3 cm section with a rectangular, baluster-shaped cross-section, it transitions to a lozenge-shaped cross-section. On the rectangular portion, it features a five-pointed star-shaped punchmark  on each side.
Blade length = 26.7 cm, width at the ricasso 1.2 cm, thickness at the ricasso 8 mm
GUARD: It is a sturdy cross-guard with wide, straight quillons and a large finger guard ring.
POMMEL: It is bulb-shaped, topped with a small knob to which the blade tang is riveted
GRIP : It isheavily twisted to ensure a good grip. It is covered with intricate copper wire binding , alternating between smooth binding in two rows and double twisted binding in three rows. This type of complex mounting is quite rare. The braided crown ferrules known as “Turk's heads” are present and in good condition.
The entire weapon has a beautiful black patina that I have chosen to preserve.
Ref /C2YW-2636
Shipping fee contribution = France €30, Europe €40