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Swiss Dagger with Sheath, Bodkin, and By-Knife

ca. 1570
Not on view
Daggers with I-shaped grips were known as baselards, after the city of Basel, and were considered a national arm of the Swiss. Splendidly decorated specimens such as this one, with elaborate gilt bronze mounts and scabbards, were worn by officers and wealthy burghers, who usually also held high-ranking positions in the militia. The figural decoration on the scabbard represents the story of William Tell, the Swiss national hero.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Swiss Dagger with Sheath, Bodkin, and By-Knife
  • Date: ca. 1570
  • Culture: Swiss
  • Medium: Steel, gold, bronze, wood, textile
  • Dimensions: Dagger (04.3.130); L. with sheath 17 5/8 in. (44.8 cm); L. without sheath 15 3/4 in. (40 cm); W. 3 1/2 in. (8.9 cm); Wt. 1 lb. 1.5 oz. (496.1 g); Wt. of sheath 13.3 oz. (377 g); bodkin (04.3.131); L. 7 1/16 in. (17.9 cm); Wt. 0.8 oz. (22.7 g); knife (04.3.132); L. 8 1/16 in. (20.5 cm); W. 5/8 in. (1.6 cm); Wt. 1.1 oz. (31.2 g)
  • Classification: Daggers
  • Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1904
  • Object Number: 04.3.130–.132
  • Curatorial Department: Arms and Armor

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