Antique 16th Century Italian Stiletto Dagger

Antique late 16th century circa 1580 A.D.Italian well hand-forged all-steel stiletto dagger with sturdy, tapered steel blade of flattened triangular section, cut on each side with series of short groves and turned ricasso.

Hilt comprising hand chiseled in relief spiral baluster grip with flattened pommel carved with an ancient Norse Swastika solar symbol of sun with rotating wings which is similar to the Georgian Borjgali. Massive crossguard including a rectangular quillon block, turned quillons each with flattened button shaped terminals.

For the Norse Swastika solar symbol please see the links below:

https://www.medievalists.net/2015/02/choosing-heav...

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/403212972864852203/

REFERENCES:

1.Similar in form from stiletto dated to the late 16th century is published in the book "The World Encyclopedia of Knives, Daggers & Bayonets” by Dr. Tobias Capwel on page 140.

Please see the last picture in the listing.

2.Catalog of European Daggers 1300-1800: Including the Ellis, de Dino, Riggs, and Reubell Collections" by Bashford Dean, published by the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, 1929.

The Buyer will be provided with copies of the pages from the mentioned books along with a certificate of authenticity.

MEASUREMENTS

Overall length: 31 cm (12.2 inches).

CONDITION: shows age and use, slightly pitted.