Ballock Knife

Unknown

ca. 1450–1500 · Steel, bone, lead · Arms and Armor

The ballock knife, also sometimes called a kidney dagger, was a very popular form of dagger worn by men throughout northern Europe in the 15th and 16th centuries. It served as an eating utensil, tool, and weapon.

Artist

Unknown

Date

ca. 1450–1500

Medium

Steel, bone, lead

Culture

Western European, possibly Britain

Department

Arms and Armor

Credit line

Gift of Jean Jacques Reubell, in memory of his mother, Julia C. Coster, and of his wife, Adeline E. Post, both of New York City, 1926