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Ballock Knife

1450–1500
Not on view
The ballock knife, also sometimes called a kidney dagger, was a very popular form of dagger worn by men throughout northern Europe in the 15th and 16th centuries. It served as an eating utensil, tool, and weapon.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Ballock Knife
  • Date: 1450–1500
  • Culture: French
  • Medium: Steel, brass, wood
  • Dimensions: L. 14 3/4 in. (37.5 cm); L. of blade 10 1/16 in. (25.7 cm); W. 1 3/4 in. (4.5 cm); W. of blade 3/4 in. (1.9 cm); thickness of blade 5/16 in. (0.8 cm); Wt. 6 oz. (170.1 g)
  • Classification: Daggers
  • Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1904
  • Object Number: 04.3.123
  • Curatorial Department: Arms and Armor

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