Description

WROUGHT IRON DIVIDERS / DAGGER, European 17th /18th century. Measuring 13-1/2″ (34 cm) overall, this rather primitive pair of dividers is well constructed, with a five-leaf hinge with pommel knob, twin tapering arms, and double hilt. It has a good “heft” for use as a dagger. Condition is good, apparently all original, noting some pitting to the surface. The application of the hilt to dividers, making them into a significant close range weapon, is well documented. For example, one finds a rather formidable 16th century dagger / divider compendium in the Museo Galileo in Florence, described by Bonelli and Settle.