Spanish C.1650 Main Gauche Dagger

An original and fine Spanish mid-17th Century Main Gauche Dagger in complete and unaltered form. These distinctive weapons were used primarily in the duel and were carried in the left hand and used to parry a sword blade. These Spanish duelling daggers had a prominent and large rolled guard that gave good protection to the hand and also comprised a deadly thrusting blade with needle point that would have been very effective during the thrust. There are also a series of pronounced notches to the upper side of the blade edge that would have held an opponent’s sword blade. This example has an unsually marked blade forte that includes the word ZERO in prominent letters. Not sure of its meaning or significance but could be related to the maker or have symbolic status. Note: This is an original 17th Century Main Gauche and not a 19th Century or recent copy.