About the item: An authentic collection of late medieval, Gothic period, iron military knives, consisting of 10 pieces of blades in various sizes with tangs. This unique collection of weaponry and domestic craftsmanship dates back to the 15th century. The set represents the period of Gothic Europe and demonstrates a wide typology of personal and military weapons of that time. It is valued for its historical integrity, stable condition, and excellently documented, transparent European provenance from prominent private German collections.
Technical information:
The set consists of 10 objects, with lengths varying from 8.0 to 20.5 cm.
Origin: Gothic Europe.
Dating: 15th century.
Material: Wrought iron.
Condition: Firm and stable, with authentic corrosion texture and dark patina.
The collection was formed in the 1970s and 1980s by a private collector in Southern Germany. In the previous owner's collection, these knives were documented as far back as 1966.
Structural and analytical breakdown: The most significant feature of this collection is the variety of shapes and sizes, encompassing specimens from 8 cm to 20.5 cm. All knives are constructed using the traditional tang method, where the tapering extension of the blade was inserted into the handle. The blade profiles demonstrate different functional purposes, showcasing straight double-edged combat knives as well as single-edged knives intended for a soldier's daily use or close defense. In one of the exhibits, the handle finish of organic origin with authentic fastening rivets is exceptionally well-preserved, which is extremely rare in medieval archaeology. Natural surface pitting corrosion testifies to the MCF-centuries spent in a sedimentary environment.
Historical and geographical context: In the 15th century, during the Gothic period, a knife was an inseparable part of every European man's daily costume and equipment. In a military context, these tools performed a dual function – serving as a universal household tool in campsites for food preparation and woodworking, and as a final defensive weapon. The Southern Germany region, where these knives were found and preserved for decades in private collections, was famous for its advanced blacksmithing centers, such as Passau or Solingen, supplying weapons to the entire Holy Roman Empire.
Collectible and investment value: The market value of this 10-piece set is defined by its completeness, as a group of blades from the same era creates a far greater visual and scientific value than isolated fragments. The knife with surviving handle fragments immediately elevates the level of the entire set, as such organic details rarely survive in the ground. The uninterrupted history of provenance since 1966 eliminates any risk of forgery, which is the primary guarantee of investment security in the modern archaeological weapons market. Due to its graphic arrangement, stable condition, and compact format, this set is ideal for museum displays, specialized bladed weapon collections, or as an exclusive interior detail in a historical space. This five-hundred-year-old set from the Gothic era is an authentic document of knightly European lifestyle and warfare, harmoniously combining artisanal craftsmanship, collectible integrity, and long-term investment potential.
