Miniature dagger and sheaf badge

Several examples of miniature daggers and dagger sheaths have been found in England (see Salisbury & South Wiltshire Museum: Medieval Catalogue Spencer, 1990a cat. no. 191-121 figs. 251 and 252); and the Netherlands – see Bergen op Zoom, 1987, p 63 and van Heeringen, Koldeweij and Gallman, 1987, p 62. In only one instance has a miniature pendant dagger-sheath been found with its dagger still inside (see Trig Lane, London, Trans. LAMAS, 32, p 315 – though even here the hilt is missing. So the example described above is of singular importance in being, the most complete example so far known. It has been suggested that these miniature daggers were worn as a badge, perhaps as an adornment for a hat or hoot, with the rectangular loop for suspension or stitching. On stylistic grounds, the sheaf clearly represents cuir bouli leather work; the dagger likewise resembles its full-scale counterpart.