A Couple of Images for the Dagger Fans

[pmel018]

Hi Guys
I have a couple of pictures of ballock knives from my museum wanderings. First a scan of a colour image I purchased from the Wallace Collection.

This is catalogue number A732, attributed to Flemish manufacture around 1450. To my mind it is the most perfect example of the form, complete with by-knife and awl/pricker/steel. Blade length is just over 10 inches(260 mm).I have commisioned an exact replica of this set from Paul Macdonald in Edinburghhttp://www.historicalfencing.org/Macdonaldarmory/index.htm

Next, an undescribed piece, I discovered in the British Museum. It is located in an area that has only recently been reopned to the public. Please excuse the poorly lit pictures, it was a bit tricky to photograph and with ot catalogue reference I was unable to obtain a professional image.

Grip and sheath detail


There are a couple of interesting points about this item; fisrtly it is very large with a blade about 18 inches(457 mm)long and secondly, the grip is made up of seperate pieces held together by nicely decorated steel bands. There is also an almost intact sheath with a pocket for a by-knife. I have asked Tod , who made my rondel dagger, to recreate this one for me http://www.todsstuff.co.uk/index.php

Enjoy
Regards
Phil(in exile) Melhop

[Phil Berghan-Whyman]

I used to work 10 minutes walk from the Wallace Collection. They have some beautiful pieces. Three rooms of medieval joy.

[pmel018]

Yes, the 2nd best collection of arms and armour in the UK........The Royal Armouries being the best. Its free and easy to get to, shame about the rather PC Keeper of Arms and Armour; it was a better place when David Edge held that position.
Phil

EDIT: BTW Phil, Tod(from Tod's stuff) says..."Hi"