Parrying Dagger, c. 1580–1610. Italy, late 16th - early 17th Century. Steel, copper wire; overall: cm (10 7/16 in.); blade: cm (6 3/4 in.); quillions: cm (3 5/16 in.). The perforations within the blade were meant to provide elasticity, preventing it from snapping during vigorous parries. The serrations were arranged not for producing an unpleasant wound, but to "catch" the adversary's blade.

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Size: 2680px × 3400px
Photo credit: © CMA/BOT / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

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