German Rondel dagger, Panzerbrecher w. Sheath, 15th century 0264000253

This beautiful late medieval melee weapon is based on late 14th/early 15th century original examples from Germany. Known as a rondel dagger or roundel dagger , it owes its name to the characteristic flat, circular shape of both its guard and pommel. This particular type of dagger was widely used in the late Middle Ages and continued to enjoy great popularity right up until the Renaissance period. Appearing in many variations, it was carried by people from all walks of life, from peasants and merchants to Landsknechte or heavily armoured knights.

Given its particular design, the rondel dagger we are offering here is actually, to be exact, a so-called Panzerbrecher or Panzerstecher (which literally translates to heartbreaker or armor piercer ), a thrusting weapon developed specifically for use in close combat. As the name implies, this one-of-a-kind handheld weapon was designed exclusively for piercing padded armor and chain mail or stabbing the opponent through the joints of their plate armor. It was characterized by a very stiff blade that typically had no cutting edges, but instead tapered to a needle-sharp point.

This beautiful reproduction features a thick steel blade with square cross section, rounded edges (in some places concave) and a pointed tip. The historically accurate plate- or disc-shaped guard and pommel, as well as the central ring of the handle, are made of brass. The hilt itself is made of horn. As horn is a natural product, each dagger has its own unique handle! Variations in the colour and grain of horn are quite common and therefore the images above are for reference only.

The dagger comes complete with a hand-dyed vegetable-tanned leather sheath, fitted with a brass overlay and belt loop. The shade of black may vary slightly from piece to piece due to hand-dyeing.

Please note that as the blade has a sharp point, this dagger is intended as a collector's or decorative piece and is not suitable for combat reenactment.

Details:
- Blade material: steel (not stainless!), blunt edges, sharp tip
- Handle Material: Horn grip with brass ring, brass pommel and guard plate
- Total length: approx. 47.5cm
- Blade length: approx. 34.5 cm
- Handle length: approx. 13 cm (grip approx. 11 cm)
- Max. blade thickness: approx. 1.6 cm
- Weight: approx. 640 g (approx. 720 g with case)
- Vegetable tanned leather sheath with brass flap and belt loop