Roundel Dagger
Unknown Artist
14th century
Medium
Steel
Dimensions
L. 13 in. (33 cm); L. of blade 9 7/16 in. (24 cm); W. 1 3/4 in. (4.4 cm); W. of blade 9/16 in. (1.5 cm); thickness of blade 3/8 in. (1 cm); Wt. 7 oz. (198.4 g)
Classification
Daggers
Culture
possibly British
Department
Arms and Armor
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of Jean Jacques Reubell, in memory of his mother, Julia C. Coster, and of his wife, Adeline E. Post, both of New York City, 1926
Accession Number
26.145.31
Rights
Public Domain
Art Historical Context
Step into the riveting world of medieval arms and armor with this exquisite 14th-century Round Dagger, a finely crafted steel weapon possibly of British origin. Measuring just 13 inches in overall length—with a slender9 7/16-inch blade dagger's lightweight design at 7 ounces made it an ideal sidearm for close-quarters combat or personal defense. Its name derives from the distinctive round guards (roundels) on the hilt, which protected the wielder's hand while allowing swift, agile strikes. Forged from durable steel, this dagger exemplifies the metallurgical prowess of the late Middle Ages, when armorers balanced lethal functionality with ergonomic precision. The blade's modest width of 9/16 inch and thickness of 3/8 inch reflect advanced heat-treating techniques that ensured sharpness and resilience amid the era's chivalric warfare and tournaments. As a classified dagger in The Metropolitan Museum of Art's Arms and Armor Department, it offers a tangible glimpse into the daily realities of knights and soldiers. Generously gifted in 1926 by Jean Jacques Reubell in memory of his mother and wife, this artifact bridges centuries, reminding us how everyday objects like daggers embodied both survival and artistry in turbulent times. A true treasure for history enthusiasts!