This left hand fighting dagger is representative in form of its type but distinguished by its particularly fine inner guard guarda polvo which would show prominently when the dagger was worn sheathed. The blade is scalloped and pierced with two openings at the forte. Both features would engage and disable an opponents blade. At the time, the cup-hilt with its more slender blade was in use. The inner guard with high relief chiseled flower heads among pierced spiraling tendrils is typical of of the work done at Brescia, northern Italy and this dagger may confidently be attributed to that city for its manufacture. 18 1/4" length blade.