DATED 1678
Details
A Rare "Godfrey" Dagger
Dated 1678
With tapering double-edged blade (patches of light pitting) etched, stamped and gilt (gilding rubbed) on both sides at the forte with foliage and a skull, and on one side with the inscription 'Memento Godfrey', and on the other 'Anno Do 1678', silver-covered wooden grip (slight cracks and dents), the pommel and quillons each with button finial (the first finial replaced), in black canvas-covered wooden scabbard (damaged, locket missing) with silver chape, the hilt with silver maker's mark RF, the chape with maker's mark IW
13in. (33.6cm.)
These daggers were a product of the Popish Plot and the resultant anti-Catholic hysteria following the murder of Sir Edmond Berry Godfrey, a distinguished city magistrate, in 1678. This one appears to be unique in having a silver hilt
See C. Trenchard, 'Godfrey Daggers', Antique Collector, January 1938, p. 388-90
Dated 1678
With tapering double-edged blade (patches of light pitting) etched, stamped and gilt (gilding rubbed) on both sides at the forte with foliage and a skull, and on one side with the inscription 'Memento Godfrey', and on the other 'Anno Do 1678', silver-covered wooden grip (slight cracks and dents), the pommel and quillons each with button finial (the first finial replaced), in black canvas-covered wooden scabbard (damaged, locket missing) with silver chape, the hilt with silver maker's mark RF, the chape with maker's mark IW
13in. (33.6cm.)
These daggers were a product of the Popish Plot and the resultant anti-Catholic hysteria following the murder of Sir Edmond Berry Godfrey, a distinguished city magistrate, in 1678. This one appears to be unique in having a silver hilt
See C. Trenchard, 'Godfrey Daggers', Antique Collector, January 1938, p. 388-90
Provenance
Anon. sale, Christie's, 21 October 1987, Lot 22
Literature
Michael Coe and others, Swords and Hilt Weapons, 1989, p. 80