Rondel daggers take their name from the two round disks (rondels) that form their guard (1). This one was found in London`s Thames River, and purchased by Frederick Eugene Williams III (known as Jack Williams) while he was visiting England in 1995.. It dates from the mid-14th century. The overall length of the dagger is 12 1/2 inches. The 8 1/4-inch needle-point blade is diamond-shaped with hollow grounds. The guard and pommel are made of brass. An engraving of what looks like a nine-point star can just be made out on the blade side of the guard. The pommel has four petal-shaped segments engraved with lines. Long narrow daggers like this one are designed for thrusting, piercing, and stabbing. The thin, sharp point can fit through gaps in armor, and penetrate leather or heavy fabric.
Rondel daggers were worn suspended on the right side of the belt or slung from the front of it. There is some evidence to suggest that rondel daggers were popular with the emerging middle class in the mid-15th century. Merchants and tradesmen can be seen wearing them in a painting by Girat de Roussillon circa 1448 (2).
