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Photos from Chad Arnow's Collection: (Click to enlarge)            This piece has been sold and is no longer in my collection. |
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Vince Evans Ballock Dagger
Original: Circa 14th-15th Century This type of dagger draws its name from the phallic shape of the haunches and grip, and has also been referred to, in more genteel times, as a kidney dagger. The blade of 5160 steel is made from 1/2-inch stock, making for a very sturdy blade. To reduce weight and enhance the cutting ability of the dagger, the blade faces have been hollow-ground, as has the blade's spine. This results in a cross-section like a rounded capital "T". Vince used a dagger with a similar blade style and cross-section from the Kelvingrove Museum in Glasgow as inspiration. That blade is said to be from 14th-15th century, and possibly French. The grip of stabilized hand-carved burled black ash is similar to several surviving antiques. The fittings are made from German silver. The bolster flows from the haunches, while the pommel cap is ringed with decorative lines and features a starburst pattern. See our hands-on review for more information on this dagger. Overall length: 15.75" Width of bolster: 1.4375" Blade: 11.5" long; 1.25" wide tapering to 0.4375" Haunches, grip, and pommel: 4.5" Maker: Vince Evans of Washington. |
