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Basilard

15th century
Not on view
The term baselard is applied to a form of dagger with a distinctive I-shaped grip that was worn throughout Europe as part of military and civilian dress from the thirteenth to the sixteenth century. The name suggests that it originated in the Swiss town of Basel.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Basilard
  • Date: 15th century
  • Culture: Swiss
  • Medium: Steel, wood
  • Dimensions: L. 18 3/8 in. (46.7 cm); L. of blade 12 5/16 in. (31.3 cm); W. 3 1/4 in. (8.3 cm); W. of blade 1 5/16 in. (3.3 cm); thickness of blade 1/4 in. (0.6 cm); Wt. 12 oz. (340.2 g)
  • Classification: Daggers
  • Credit Line: Gift of Jean Jacques Reubell, in memory of his mother, Julia C. Coster, and of his wife, Adeline E. Post, both of New York City, 1926
  • Object Number: 26.145.46
  • Curatorial Department: Arms and Armor

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