Kidney dagger with scabbard, Rothenburg, 15th century
The kidney dagger, also called the testicular dagger, owes its name to the two egg-shaped protrusions that are part of the handle and give it a distinctly phallic appearance. The medieval dagger was widespread in Europe in its time and appeared in various forms over a remarkably long period, from the late Middle Ages to the Renaissance. In England and Scotland, it was known as the "dudgeon dagger" or "dirk" until the 17th/18th centuries.
This thrusting weapon was indispensable for knights in close combat, as its pointed blade could penetrate padded armor and chain mail. This made it a sought-after weapon in the Middle Ages. The dagger was not only a weapon, but also embodied the wealth of its bearer. Knights and wealthy citizens often carried elaborate daggers as a sign of their status.
Our offered medieval dagger is inspired by a northern Italian piece from the late 15th century (ca. 1450-1480). It is currently in the Baumann Foundation Weapons Collection at the Rothenburg Museum in Middle Franconia, Bavaria - Rothenburg ob der Tauber.
Made of EN45 spring steel, the blade has a diamond-shaped cross-section that tapers to a sharp point. The edges are not sharpened and the tang is firmly attached to the end of the handle. The handle with two-lobed quillons is crafted from a single piece of wood and has brass fittings in an antique finish. The handle gently rises to a flat decorated end cap. The parry bar has curved blade catchers that point downward at right angles and end in raised locks - specifically designed for the purpose of clamping opposing blades during intense duels.
This knight's dagger is equipped with a scabbard made of vegetable tanned leather, with a leather cord to attach it to the belt. The motifs and openwork details that adorn the pommel also decorate the brass orbital plate with Ort knob.
It is important to remember that this late medieval dagger should not be used for exhibition fights. It serves its purpose as a collectible, decorative object or even as a prop to complete the matching costume.
Details kidney dagger with scabbard, Rothenburg, 15th c.:
Material: blade made of spring steel EN45 (carbon steel, not stainless), pommel and guard made of brass with antique finish, grip piece made of wood.
overall length: ca. 39,5 cm (15.6 in)
blade length: ca. 25 cm (9.8 in)
Blade thickness: approx. 4mm / 3 mm (0.16 in / 0.12 in) (cutting edges approx. 0.8 mm (0.03 in))
Handle length: approx. 14.5 cm / 16 cm (5.7 in / 6.3 in) with decorative tips (handle section approx. 8 cm (3.1 in))
Max. Blade width: approx. 2 cm (0.8 in)
Center of gravity: approx. -4 cm (-1.6 in) (on the handle, directly behind the guard)
Incl. scabbard made of genuine leather with brass locating plate (antique finish) and leather cord
Weight without scabbard: ca. 370 g (0.82 lbs)
Weight with scabbard: approx. 445 g (0.98 lbs)
The above specifications may vary slightly from product to product.
The steel used here is not stainless and may eventually show slight signs of corrosion. Therefore, we recommend that you take the time to care for the blade regularly - using a product such as Ballistol, a universal oil specifically designed for the care of all types of steelware.
Scope of supply: 1x kidney dagger with scabbard, Rothenburg, 15th century
