Dagger with sheath, Ottoman, 16th Century. Blade iron, forged, silver vessel, engraved and gilded, wooden scabbard covered with silver sheet, perforated, gold-plated and lined with red velvet. 44.9 cm Blade length 32.9 cm Weight 426 g. Y 0121. Armoury. © Dresden State Art Collections 2013

Elector Christian II of Saxony received this knife as a gift in 1607 of the imperial generals George Basta. The almost unadorned dagger offers simple elegance and impressive form. Its powerful double-edged blade is slightly curved and strong structured by three strong marks. The vessel made of molded and gilded silver is pulled into the middle and trimmed with a ring. There is a fine engraved decoration to the far protruding edges. In the center of the smooth surface of a dome-shaped knob protrudes hump. The mouth of the plate completely covered with gilded silver metal sheath is pierced and lined with red velvet. The dagger is an excellent example of the relatively little-known in Europe as "sizing tradition." This is an Ottoman style in the 16th culminating Century reached. In their simplicity via the complicated triumphs.