Dagger grip Gothic Handle - 52 mm

The handle of this left-handed dagger is made of bronze and represents a characteristic example of late medieval artisanal metalworking. Remarkable is the presence of etched Gothic letters, which in design point to an inscription in Latin. Such inscriptions were common on weapons and utilitarian objects in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries, and could serve a variety of purposes: from devotional sayings and protective formulas to owner’s marks or moral mottos. The specific text on this specimen has not yet been deciphered, but the stylistic features of the script align with the Gothic minuscule that was widespread in this period.

The choice of bronze for the handle points to a combination of durability and decorative value. Bronze was relatively easy to work and engrave, making it exceptionally suitable for applying such inscriptions.

At the same time it offered sufficient sturdiness for everyday use, especially when the dagger was not only a weapon but also a practical knife.

In conjunction with the conservation and restoration described earlier, the handle forms an important part of the object's historical and aesthetic value. The presence of the original inscription, regardless of whether it has already been read, contributes to authenticity and offers potential for further research into the provenance, use, and symbolism of this handle.

The exemplar shown here comes from a Dutch Bosch collection and is likely excavated or found as a ground find dates from the fifteenth to late sixteenth century and is uncleaned.