Dagger with Sheath
Unknown Artist
early 19th century
Medium
Steel, silver, niello, gold
Dimensions
L. with sheath 21 in. (53.3 cm); L. without sheath 19 15/16 in. (50.6 cm); L. of blade 15 in. (38.1 cm); W. 1 5/16 in. (3.3 cm); D. 1 1/16 in. (2.7 cm); Wt.13.5 oz. (382.7 g); Wt. of sheath 8.5 oz. (240.9 g)
Classification
Daggers
Culture
Caucasian
Department
Arms and Armor
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Bequest of Richard B. Seager, 1926
Accession Number
26.35.9a, b
Rights
Public Domain
Art Historical Context
This stunning dagger with sheath, originating from the Caucasus region in the early th century, exemplifies the metalworking traditions of its culture. Forged from a sharp steel blade measuring 15 inches long, the hilt and fittings are richly decorated with silver, niello technique fusing a black silver sulfide alloy into engraved lines for dramatic contrast—and touches of gold. At 21 inches overall with its sheath, it formidable functionality with ornate beauty, weighing just over a pound including the case. In the Caucasus, a mountainous crossroads of empires, such arms were more than weapons; they were symbols of status and craftsmanship. Unknown artisans showcased extraordinary skill in inlaying precious metals, creating weapons prized by warriors and elites alike. The niello and goldwork not only enhanced grip and aesthetics but also reflected the region's enduring legacy of fine blades, blending utility with artistry. Now housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Arms and Armor Department through the 1926 bequest of Richard B. Seager, this dagger invites visitors to ponder the lives of its makers and owners—fierce, skilled, and ever-prepared.