Medieval Iron Kidney Dagger with Replacement Handle and Sheath

Comprising: a rowel spur of early 13th century date with short neck; a 14th century U-shaped rowel spur with straight neck, five star rowel and squared terminals with fittings and a buckle; a 17th century drop neck spur with multi-pointed rowel, the arched body decorated with transversal lines and bilobate terminals. 280 grams total, 13.2-16.5 cm



From the collection of the famous author, writer and speaker, Gordon Bailey, Essex, UK; formed since 1968.

By the late 13th century A.D., rowel spurs in the West had virtually replaced the old single prick point type spur. The rowel spurs were more effective as a goad and at the same time less damaging to the flank of the horse.

With penannular guard and a multi-fullered double edged blade tapering to a sharp point, solid cast hilt made of a round handle with two decorative discs under the stone mushroom pommel. 1.06 kg, 71 cm



Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection.

In this sword it is possible that hilt and blade were not cast as one unit, but rather that the hilt was cast onto the blade. The thick guard is related to the crescent type, but here is almost rectangular, albeit with rounded shoulders, like in the blade of Metropolitan published by Muscarella.

With broad heater-shaped head and barbs to the rear, square shoulder and narrow tang. 41.6 grams, 13.5 cm



Property of the vendor's grandfather, thence by family descent, circa 1985. From the private collection of a New York, USA gentleman.

The arrowhead resembles a stylised bird's head, according to classification by Khorasani. This was a type of decorative arrowheads, belonging to the typology of barbed arrowheads.