England or Germany, 16th century A.D. Featuring a hexagonal brass pommel engraved with a fleur-de-lis to one side and a dragon to the other; pierced tang, two short quillons inclining towards the blade, terminating in lion head-shaped finials; straight single-edged blade, with side ridges to both faces of the blade, tapering to a fine point. Cf. Leeds Armoury inventory no.X 797, for a similar double-edged quillon dagger blade with identical guard, excavated from the Thames at Cannon Street Bridge, believed to be the site of a steelyard of the Hanseatic League.177 grams, 34 cm (13 3/8 in.). Acquired 1960s-1990s. Late Alison Barker collection, a retired London barrister. Quillon daggers were predominantly employed as a military weapon. During the 16th century, this dagger continued to be popular, although the hilt no longer resembled that of the contemporary sword, as sword hilts had developed into more intricate forms.