"Landsknecht" Dagger and Sheath

Description A dagger of this type might be carried by a German "Landsknecht" or mercenary foot soldier (derived from "Knecht" meaning servant or farm hand) in the early 16th century. It served in the field both as a weapon and as a tool. The blade is inscribed on each side "I A N" between quatrefoils of punch marks; in addition, a maker's mark is impressed on the back. The blackened iron sheath contains as well a smaller knife (the blade bearing the mark of three small crosses) and a skewer for use in camp.

Provenance Zschille; Sale, London, 1897, no. 47; Henry Griffith Keasbey; Henry Griffith Keasbey Collection Sale, American Art Association, New York, November 29, 1924, no. 192; Henry Walters, Baltimore, 1924, by purchase; Walters Art Museum, 1931, by bequest.

Inscriptions Inscribed: I A N.

Credit Acquired by Henry Walters, 1924