Swiss German 16th Century Baselard Dagger Short Sword

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A very rare Swiss German 16th Century Baselard Dagger Short Sword.  These daggers were popular throughout Northern Europe in the early 16th Century and carried by both civilians and the military.  Because of the large size and simple style of this baselard, I would guess that it is a military example and would have been used by an infantry soldier during the numerous wars and conflicts that ravaged Europe in the 16th Century.  It comprises a large hilt with wooden grip (probably later) with iron mounts.  The  blade is exceptionally wide and of triangular profile.  It is double-edged for its entire length.  It is possible that this is a Medieval broadsword blade that has been attached to a Baselard type hilt.  When this was done it is difficult to say as pieces of this age are notoriously difficult to appraise.  There is what I believe to be an armourer’s mark near the end of the blade – see pics.  Condition of the dagger is very good for its great age with appropriate losses to the blade edge and wear to the hilt.  These daggers were actually the later inspiration (alongside the Holbein dagger type) for German Nazi daggers of the 20th Century.  Blade length is 15.75 inches (21 inches overall).

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