English or Dutch/Flemish. 8 5/8" wedge section blade, flat on the left side, the right with angled edge for half its width combining with the sharply angled false edge to form a spear point. Lobed iron blade seat and wood grip with large double spherical base. White metal top mount/pommel. Ballock daggers were used through the fifteenth and early 16th century. This example represents the last form. A number with hilts of this form with blades perished were recovered from the wreck of the Mary Rose, the sea silt serving to preserve the wood. Others have been recovered in Holland's canals in such numbers that it is thought that town guards had confiscated them and disposed of them in the canals. They were civilian weapons carried by common men boldly displayed at the belt buckle as a deterrent. As well, they were carried by archers who, after the battle, were charged with killing the enemy wounded with a thrust to the head.