A Fine Spanish 17th-Century Left-Handed Parrying Dagger.

A Fine Spanish 17th-Century Left-Handed Parrying Dagger. This exquisite mid-17th-century Spanish parrying dagger, is a superior example of the specialized defensive weaponry paired with the rapier during the height of the Baroque era. The weapon is centered around a formidable steel blade of tapering form, featuring a distinctive wide ricasso pierced with two circular apertures, complemented by a serrated or notched back edge. The hilt’s defining feature is its expansive, convex triangular sail guard, or vela, which exhibits virtuosic craftsmanship through its intricate pierced openwork foliate scrolls and hammered detailing. At the center of this guard is a finely embossed and chased medallion depicting a classical male profile in the antique style, likely representing a hero of antiquity or a contemporary figure of high status. The robust defense is further augmented by long, straight quillons with beaded and baluster-turned detailing, while the grip is meticulously wrapped in twisted wire to ensure a secure, textured hold during a duel. The hilt is completed by an ovoid pommel decorated with matching foliate relief. Measuring approximately 48 cm in total length, this dagger represents a fusion of deadly functionality and the ornate artistry favored by the Spanish nobility and military elite. The item is in good condition.