Swiss Dagger with Sheath

Swiss Dagger with Sheath, Bodkin, and By-Knife, ca. 1570, Swiss, Steel, gold, bronze, wood, textile, Dagger; L. with sheath 17 5/8 in. (44.8 cm); L. without sheath 15 3/4 in. (40 cm); W. 3 1/2 in. (8.9 cm); Wt. 1 lb. 1.5 oz. (496.1 g); Wt. of sheath 13.3 oz. (377 g); bodkin; L. 7 1/16 in. (17.9 cm); Wt. 0.8 oz. (22.7 g); knife; L. 8 1/16 in. (20.5 cm); W. 5/8 in. (1.6 cm); Wt. 1.1 oz. (31.2 g), Daggers, Daggers with I-shaped grips were known as baselards, after the city of Basel, and were considered a national arm of the Swiss. Splendidly decorated specimens such as this one, with elaborate gilt bronze mounts and scabbards, were worn by officers and wealthy burghers, who usually also held high-ranking positions in the militia. (Photo by: Sepia Times/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)