Live Auction

Day 1: War Through the Ages: Ancient Arms, Roman Antiquities & Medieval Relics

Sat, Feb 28, 2026 11:00AM EST

2026-02-28 11:00:00 2026-02-28 11:00:00 America/New_York Treasure Trove Treasure Trove : Day 1: War Through the Ages: Ancient Arms, Roman Antiquities & Medieval Relics https://live.treasuretroveauctions.com/auctions/treasure-trove/day-1-war-through-the-ages-ancient-arms-roman-antiquities-medieval-relics-21418 Step into history with Treasure Trove’s largest Militaria auction to date, presented across two unforgettable days. Day One spans the ancient and early modern world, featuring antiquities, arms, armor, and military artifacts from Classical civilizations through the American Revolutionary War, Civil War, and into World War I. Day Two turns to the modern battlefield, showcasing an exceptional selection of World War II and post-war militaria, including uniforms, helmets, daggers, medals, field gear, and historically significant wartime relics. Treasure Trove Auctions info@treasuretroveauctions.com

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Lot 164

Museum Grade Italian Gilded Left-Hand Dagger – Circa 1580 | Complete Original Hilt | Renaissance Masterwork

Estimate: $7,000 - $10,000

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Starting Bid

$500

[0 Bids]Bidding History

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Price	Bid Increment
$0	$25
$100	$50
$500	$50
$1,000	$100
$2,000	$250
$5,000	$500
$10,000	$1,000
$20,000	$2,500
$50,000	$5,000

This remarkable Italian left-hand dagger, dating to circa 1580, is the kind of Renaissance weapon that immediately commands attention the moment it is placed on a table. Elegant, purposeful, and unmistakably Italian in character, it survives today with its complete original hilt intact, a rare and deeply desirable state of the weapon. The blade is broad and stiff with a diamond-shaped cross-section, tapering decisively to an acute point and strengthened by a pronounced medial ridge running cleanly from tip to the rectangular ricasso, where a visible maker’s mark remains. The hilt is richly articulated with forward-slanted quillons terminating in shell and roping-shaped swelling tips, a quillon side ring, central ring guard, and a boldly formed spiral pommel decorated en suite. The grip retains its original wire binding with intact Turk’s head terminals, and the entire hilt is finished with finely executed circular incised decoration. At approximately 17.5 inches overall, this dagger is perfectly proportioned for serious civilian fencing use, as it was during its early life.

Left-hand daggers were not accessories, they were essential tools of Renaissance swordsmanship. Paired with the rapier, they allowed a skilled fencer to dominate distance, timing, and blade control, trapping and redirecting an opponent’s weapon to create decisive openings. This example reflects the height of that tradition. The downward-turned quillons, protective ring guard, and reinforced blade geometry are not decorative flourishes; they are deliberate responses to fencing theory developed in the Italian schools during the late 16th century. Unlike battlefield arms meant to defeat armor, civilian fencing weapons such as this were lighter, faster, and more refined.. instruments of technique, precision, and deadly efficiency.

Daggers of this caliber do not surface often, and when they do, they are rarely this complete. Examples retaining their original wire wrap, intact guard elements, coherent decorative programs, and strong blade geometry are exceptional by any standard. This is a piece that belongs equally in a museum case or at the center of a serious private collection. A dagger that does not merely represent Renaissance fencing, but embodies it. Offered from a distinguished private estate with a long and respected collecting history, this is a true cornerstone acquisition for the advanced collector of European arms.

Provenance: From the estate of a private client who originally acquired the dagger from a world renown and respected arms specialist and later re-acquired it through the client’s third-party representative.

Condition

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★ ★ ★ ★
Very Good/Fine – Shows light to moderate wear, may have minor imperfections. A very fine example of the collectible. May also be labelled as Collector Quality.

Condition assessed using Treasure Trove Auctions’ proprietary grading scale. While we strive for accuracy, all ratings are subjective and based on our best evaluation as determined by a dedicated team of researchers, from expert appraisers to knowledgeable historians and veteran collectors. Full grading details can be found on our Authentication page for reference. For a more in-depth condition report or additional images, please contact us and we will be more than happy to oblige.

Available payment options

If you have not contacted Treasure Trove Auctions 512-221-2540 to arrange payment within 3 days of the time that invoice is sent, we will charge the credit card you used to register for the auction for the amount of your invoice.

Treasure Trove Auctions offers both in-house and third-party shipping options to accommodate a variety of items. While we strive to handle shipping internally, items that are oversized, fragile, framed, or require specialized handling may be outsourced to a trusted third-party shipping agent. All shipping costs are the sole responsibility of the buyer.

Shipping Process & Costs In-house packaging and shipping are available for many items, with shipping quotes based on the size and weight of the package as determined by the carrier or Treasure Trove. All shipments include insurance and signature confirmation when applicable. Domestic shipments are handled through UPS, while international orders are processed via DHL, FedEx, UPS, or whichever is most cost effective for the buyer. Additionally, items will be insured and declared at their full purchase value, including the hammer price plus premium.

Our White Glove Shipping Service – An Unboxing Experience Like No Other At Treasure Trove Auctions, we understand that rare collectibles deserve more than just a standard shipping box—they deserve an experience. That’s why we offer our exclusive White Glove Shipping Service, designed for collectors who appreciate the finer details. With this premium shipping option, your items will arrive in elegant, custom-branded packaging, featuring high-quality materials that reflect the rarity and prestige of your purchase. Depending on the item, we may incorporate special lighting, a hand-tied ribbon, or other bespoke touches to elevate the unboxing moment. This service ensures your prized acquisition is securely packaged, beautifully presented, and delivered with the utmost care—because extraordinary collectibles deserve nothing less.

What You Can Expect with White Glove Shipping:

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Careful packing by our in-house specialists for added peace of mind. This premium service is available for an additional charge, because your treasures deserve nothing but the best. Choose White Glove Shipping at checkout and make your next collectible delivery one to remember.

Third-Party Shipping Option Buyers, both domestic and international, may arrange shipping through a third-party carrier of their choice. However, Treasure Trove Auctions assumes no responsibility for the acts or omissions of third-party shippers, even if they are recommended by our team. International Buyers International buyers are fully responsible for any duties, taxes, clearance fees, or additional import charges imposed by their country. These fees are not included in the shipping cost and must be paid directly to the appropriate customs authorities upon arrival. As the auction house, we handle the packing, shipping, and handling of your purchased items with care. However, we are not global import exports and such as such, buyers must be aware of and comply with their country's import regulations, restrictions, and legal requirements regarding the items they purchase. It is the buyer’s responsibility to verify import laws and restrictions for their country before placing a bid or purchasing an item, cover any customs fees, VAT, or additional import duties required by their government, and ensure the item is legally permissible for import into their country. While our team strives to provide guidance based on past experiences, all final responsibility for customs clearance, import compliance, and associated fees rests solely with the buyer. We are unable to provide refunds or assume liability for items delayed, seized, or rejected by customs authorities due to non-compliance with import regulations. If an item is returned to us due to customs issues, any additional return shipping costs will be the responsibility of the buyer. By placing a bid or completing a purchase, you acknowledge and accept these terms.

Day 1: War Through the Ages: Ancient Arms, Roman Antiquities & Medieval Relics

Museum Grade Italian Gilded Left-Hand Dagger – Circa 1580 | Complete Original Hilt | Renaissance Masterwork

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