17th century Main Gauche dagger
The main gauche (left-handed) when used in conjunction with the rapier was essentially a parrying weapon, being used to ward off an opponents sword thrusts. Apart from the advantage of saving the sword blade from unneccesary damage a shorter blade gave a stronger parry.
The Main Gauche dagger because of its shorter blade was also very useful in close fighting inside the reach of the longer rapier blade when the sword was temporarily innefective. Although the Main Gauche is to be found in a great variety of different shapes, sizes and styles the most commonly encountered design has a blade of about a foot long (30cm), down swept quillions and a ring on the guard to protect the thumb of the left hand.
Museum quality.
The dagger measures approx 18 1/4",
the handle measures approx 4 3/4",
the blade measures approx12",
The dagger in its scabbard weighs 1/2 kilo.
