English Rondel Dagger

Object Name/Title

English Rondel Dagger

Catalog Number

111-0242

Physical Description

This rondel dagger exemplifies the characteristic design with two round disks (rondels) forming the guard. The weapon features a long, narrow blade designed for thrusting, piercing, and stabbing, particularly effective at penetrating gaps in armor or through leather and heavy fabric. The needle-point blade has a distinctive diamond cross-section with hollow grounds, enhancing its penetrating capabilities. A notable decorative element includes an engraved nine-point star visible on the blade side of the guard, while the pommel features four petal-shaped segments adorned with engraved lines.

Dagger Type

Rondel Dagger

Maker/Workshop

Unknown craftsperson, English

Date of Creation

Circa 1350 (mid-14th century)

Component Materials

Blade: Steel (inferred from period and type)
Guard: Brass
Pommel: Brass
Grip: Information not available (missing)

Measurements

Overall length: 12 1/2 inches (31.75 cm)
Overall width: 1 5/8 inches (4.13 cm )
Blade length: 8 1/4 inches (21 cm)
Hilt length: 4 1/8 inches (10.48 cm)
Weight: 8 1/2 ounces (241 g)

Edge Configuration

Diamond cross-section blade with hollow grounds, featuring a needle-point design

Guard Type

Two round disks (rondels), with engraved nine-point star decoration on blade side

Pommel Details

Round rondel design with four petal-shaped segments featuring engraved line decoration

Object History

This specific dagger was discovered in London's Thames River and was later acquired by Jack Williams during his 1995 visit to England. Rondel daggers were particularly popular among the emerging middle class in the mid-15th century, with historical evidence showing merchants and tradesmen wearing them. They were typically worn suspended on the right side of the belt or slung from the front, as depicted in period artwork such as a painting by Girat de Roussillon circa 1448.

Acquisition Source

Found in London's Thames River, purchased by Jack Williams in 1995.

Subject Terms

Medieval weapons; Rondel daggers; Thames River finds; English daggers; 14th century arms; Personal defense weapons; Archaeological finds; Brass furniture; Middle class weapons

Temporal and Spatial Coverage

Temporal: 14th Century
Spatial: London, England

Related Collections

The F.E. Williams III Collection of Antique Weapons and Artifacts

Collection Attribution

Frederick Eugene Williams III (known as Jack Williams), Collector

References and Citations

(1) Daggers and Fighting Knives of the Western World, Medieval Daggers / Rondel Daggers, page 13-17

(2) Merchants wearing rondel daggers. Scene from a miniature by Girat de Roussillon, circa 1448

Rights Statement

© weaponscollector.com. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License (CC BY-NC 4.0). Attribution required: "From the F.E. Williams III Collection at weaponscollector.com