Parrying Dagger (Pugnale Bolognese)
- Dated: circa 1550–75
- Culture: Italian
- Medium: Partly gilt steel, brass, and wood
- Measurements: Wt. 15 oz. (425 g)
Designed to be used together with a rapier, this dagger is
fitted with a side ring, recurved quillons, and a depression at the base
of one side of the blade to accommodate the thumb and facilitate a
firmer grip.
The waves in the blade may be intended to act like “speed bumps” in breaking the impact of a blow from an opponent’s blade. The piercing of the fullers (grooves) is a decorative motif.