This is a fine example of the Spanish left hand dagger at it zenith. The folded over edge of the sail form guard is finely pierced in scrolling foliage and clusters of grapes which makes an elegant decorative presentation, and is intended to capture to point of an opponent's rapier. The diamond section blade is capable of penetrating the heavy padded doublets of the period and the back of the blade is cut with decorative flutes which serve to engage and control an opponents blade. The ricasso provides a thumb rest on the reverse and blade catching apertures and flutes. The grip is characteristically Spanish with vertical bars over wire wrap. Daggers of this type were used throughout the Spanish empire including north Italy which was under Spanish Habsburg rule. 16 3/4" length blade