This auction is for an ANCIENT and 100% GENUINE hand-forged European "Maine-Gauche" companion sword or "Left-Hand Dagger" that was created well before Captain Cook ever charted these waters and likely well-prior to even Abel Tasman's discovery of Godzone

Consequently VERY FEW such weapons will ever be seen here in New Zealand even our best museum collections are likely without such an example as this

Clearly the work of a sword-smith and probably made in either Germany, France, or Italy.

The two rather distinctive "Double X" swordsmith maker's marks located on the side of each ricasso LOOK very much like some of the German markings in the reference, but I cannot be certain that it is either maker.....certainly the time period of their working coincides with the AGE that I believe this superbly preserved weapon was created in

Blade Length = 470 mm

Overall Length = 610 mm

CONDITION = Exceedingly GOOD for a sword of some 3-400 years of age

HANDLE is leather wrapped wood with Brass ferrules at either end appears to be original to manufacture but may have been replaced during its service life ? Certainly the handle surface is extremely OLD and remains extremely TIGHT without the least rattle or movement

The blade and other Steel parts have been heavily cleaned long ago and are returning to a more pleasing antique patina today

There are several minute edge-nicks that bespeak use, minor hand-forging flaws that indicate non-factory production CIRCA 1600 -1700

A Main-Gauche (French for "left hand") dagger was used mainly to assist in defense by parrying enemy thrusts, while the dominant hand wielded a Rapier or similar longer weapon intended for 1-handed use

It was a relatively large dagger, having a longer & heavier blade (often 19" or slightly more in length) & very long, straight quillons

Its most characteristic feature was a wide knuckle-guard that curved from the quillons to the pommel & protected the hand