Dagger

This small dagger is remarkable above all for the fine lines of the blade, forged of steel and superbly polished. No less marvellous, however, is the wooden handle decorated with intricate carving. While scrutinizing we notice that the surface is covered with miniature scenes from Christ's Passion and figures of the Four Evangelists. The carver worked with supreme confidence and facility. The sheath has not survived, but on the basis of similar pieces we should suggest it was also of wood. The same analogies suggest that the dagger may have been produced in northern Germany.