Swiss dagger Holbein with scabbard 1570s

In the early 15th century, the Baselard dagger evolved into the so-called Swiss dagger or Holbein dagger .

But this type of dagger is known to non-specialists for another reason. For it is precisely the copy of the Swiss daggers that the daggers of the SA, SS and other Nazi organizations of the Third Reich are .

I-hilted daggers were known as Baselard , after the city of Basel , and were considered the national weapon of the Swiss. Superbly decorated examples such as this one, with elaborate gilded bronze settings and scabbards, were worn by officers and wealthy citizens, who usually also held high positions in the militia. The figured decoration on the scabbard represents the story of William Tell, the national hero of Switzerland.

Basellard is a type of dagger and short sword common in Europe from the first half of the 13th century.