A FINE RONDEL DAGGER, LATE 15TH CENTURY, ITALIAN OR FRENCH with strongly tapering single-edged blade of triangular section, the back-edge formed with two broad recessed panels on each side and struck with a cutler's mark towards the forte, spirally carved horn grip swelling towards the base and fitted with a beaded copper cap, the pommel enclosed by a scalloped copper collar with ropework edge, foliate button washer, and retaining traces of gilding 39.5cm; 15 1/2in Daggers of this form have been classified as Burgundian due to a number of them having grips decorated with a 'knotted' pattern similar to that of the heraldic ragged staves of Burgundy. This has been justifiably discounted and the group has been attributed to an Italian workshop or possibly one in France. Another example is preserved in the James A. de Rothschild Collection at Waddesdon Manor (cat. no. 56). See C. Blair 1974, pp. 161-162.