An ear dagger is a relatively rare and exotic form of dagger that was used during the late Middle Ages and Renaissance. It is so named because the pommel of the dagger has a very distinctive shape, somewhat resembling a human ear.[1] Ear daggers frequently have a single sharpened edge that ends in an acute point.
It is thought that the ear dagger was introduced to Europe from Spain, where it presumably originated from the Moors.
History[edit]
The design (in bronze) may have appeared in the second millennium BC in Luristan and is more firmly attested in the first.[1] Further production in the same area took place between 300AD and 500AD.[1] The design was first made in Europe in the Iberian peninsular.[1] By the 15th century manufacturer had extended to Italy.[1]
See also[edit]
References[edit]
External links[edit]
- myarmoury.com
- myarmoury.com article on rondel daggers, with an illustration of an ear dagger
- liveseycompany.com
- Royal armouries collection, high resolution images of authentic example