About this object
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ID:
80.34
Production date:
Late Medieval; late 14th-early 15th century
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Location:
In Store
Most men wore daggers at their belts, partly for protection in the streets but also because it was fashionable. Large daggers like this, with blades as big as those of swords, were known as 'baselards': the fashion came from Basel, in Switzerland. Baselards seem to have been popular with wealthy London merchants. During the Peasants' Revolt in June 1381, the rebels met King Richard II at Smithfield. In the confusion, the mayor, William Walworth, pulled out a baselard and struck the rebel leader, Wat Tyler; then one of the king's followers killed Tyler with a sword blow.
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Measurements
L 782 mm (overall), L 655 mm (blade), W 108 mm (hilt), WT 1000 g (overall), L 783 mm; W 110 mm; H 30 mm (overall)
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Materials
iron; wood
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Last Updated
2024-03-14
Record quality:
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