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North Italian, about 1520 Collection: H.M. the King, Windsor Castle

The hilt of this particular dagger at Windsor is entirely russeted, the flat wheel-pommel and the grip form a single piece made in two halves brazed together down the sides. The quillons are of oblong section, widening towards the ends, and drooping slightly over the blade. The entire decoration of the hilt consists of a bold cross hatching that at a little distance gives a honey-*combed effect. The blade is 13 inches long, and 3 inches wide at the hilt, tapering to the point; while nearly the whole surface is brilliantly blued and enriched with a form of gold ornamentation we have described in volume ii on p. 279 when alluding to the short sword (Fig. 657). On one side is the nude female figure emblematical of Fortune; while on the reverse side is the equestrian figure of Quintus Curtius leaping into the pit. Above are elaborate arabesques introducing octofoil-shaped panels, one enclosing a helmeted bust in profile, the other the bust of St. Winifred holding a chalice. Worked into the design of the scrollwork is the initial A, surmounted by a crown. "This dagger was given by the Khan of the Crimea to Mr. Colonne at St. Petersburg in September 1794, being part of the Armoury of the famous Ghengis Khan, transmitted to his descendants, who were Khans of the Crimea until the Empress Catherine made conquest of it." So runs the note in the old Carlton House Inventory on this particular dagger, which to modern and perhaps more observant eyes seems to possess certain qualities that make its imputed age and authenticity seem rather doubtful. The fact that the grip and pommel form a single piece composed of two halves brazed together would of itself arouse suspicion in any austere
 * struction to the last daggers described, but simpler in its individual parts.