Swiss Dagger with Sheath; Bodkin; and By-Knife; ca. 1570; Swiss; Steel; gold; bronze; wood; textile; Dagger; L. with sheath 17 5/8 in. (44.8 cm); L. without sheath 15 3/4 in. (40 cm); W. 3 1/2 in. (8.9 cm); Wt. 1 lb. 1.5 oz. (496.1 g); Wt. of sheath 13.3 oz. (377 g); bodkin; L. 7 1/16 in. (17.9 cm); Wt. 0.8 oz. (22.7 g); knife; L. 8 1/16 in. (20.5 cm); W. 5/8 in. (1.6 cm); Wt. 1.1 oz. (31.2 g); Daggers; Daggers with I-shaped grips were known as baselards; after the city of Basel; and were considered a national arm of the Swiss. Splendidly decorated specimens such as this one; with elaborate gilt bronze mounts and scabbards; were worn by officers and wealthy burghers; who usually also held high-ranking positions in the militia