FLEMISH BALLOCK OR KIDNEY DAGGER C.1450-1500

Iconic example nearly identical #51 illustrated in European Cut and Thrust Weapons, Muller, identified as Flemish C.1450-1500. 15 ¼” length with 10 ¾” single edged blade of thick wedge section with acutely angled tip. Finely forged guard with scalloped, down turned blade catchers. The top right lobe of each with a diagonal line, the significance of which is lost. Wood grip, the upper half remaining. Evidently preserved in an arsenal and not excavated. The blade retains much original surface throughout.

Ballock daggers were popular in western Europe and England, Scotland and Wales. They were blatant proclamations of virility and extremely effective thrusting weapons. They were used in the 15th century by archers to dispatch wounded enemy after battles. The tip configuration on this example suggests that it was intended to penetrate thick leather protection as well as slip between armor plates.