Swiss Dagger with Sheath, Bodkin, and By-Knife

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Daggers with I-shaped grips were known as baselards, after the city of Basel, and were considered a national arm of the Swiss. Splendidly decorated specimens such as this one, with elaborate gilt bronze mounts and scabbards, were worn by officers and wealthy burghers, who usually also held high-ranking positions in the militia. The figural decoration on the scabbard represents the story of William Tell, the Swiss national hero.

Arms and Armor

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

The principal goals of the Arms and Armor Department are to collect, preserve, research, publish, and exhibit distinguished examples representing the art of the armorer, swordsmith, and gunmaker. Arms and armor have been a vital part of virtually all cultures for thousands of years, pivotal not only in conquest and defense, but also in court pageantry and ceremonial events. Throughout time the best armor and weapons have represented the highest artistic and technical capabilities of the society and period in which they were made, forming a unique aspect of both art history and material culture.

Metropolitan Museum of Art