The Cinquedea was a distinct short sword or large dagger popular in Northern Italy during the 15th and early 16th centuries. Named for its blade’s width (roughly “five fingers” at the base), the weapon served as both a sidearm and a status symbol. Favoured by the urban elite, particularly in cities like Bologna and Venice, it was as much a piece of fashion as a tool for close combat.
Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Blade length | Typically 10 to 20 inches (25–50 cm) |
| Blade width | Up to 2.5–3 inches (6–7.5 cm) |
| Overall length | 15 to 28 inches (38–71 cm) |
| Blade shape | Broad at base, sharply tapering point |
| Crossguard | Short, curved or straight |
| Grip material | Wood, bone, or horn (often decorated) |
| Pommel | Often circular or lobed |
| Fullers | Multiple shallow fullers, often ornate |
History and Evolution
The Cinquedea emerged in Northern Italy during a time of growing urbanisation and increased interest in self-defence among civilians. It was especially common from the 1450s to the early 1500s. Its design reflected Renaissance aesthetics, with many examples engraved, etched, or gilded.
Originally intended for street defence, its exaggerated blade width made it unsuitable for heavy combat but ideal for slashing in confined spaces. Over time, its role shifted further from the battlefield to courtly or civic use. The Cinquedea eventually declined in popularity as slimmer daggers and rapiers rose in prominence.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages:
- Wide blade allowed for decorative etching and symbolic engravings.
- Designed for effective cutting and slashing at very close range.
- Easily concealed under clothing, yet still intimidating.
- Light and quick in the hand compared to longer swords.
Disadvantages:
- Too short and wide for battlefield duels or armoured combat.
- Broad blade made it somewhat clumsy for thrusting.
- Lacked the reach of rapiers or longswords in duels.
- Became obsolete with the rise of firearms and more practical thrusting weapons.
Comparison with Similar Weapons
| Weapon | Cinquedea | Baselard | Stiletto |
|---|---|---|---|
| Origin | Northern Italy | Swiss/German regions | Italy |
| Use | Civilian self-defence, status piece | Utility, combat, and civic use | Concealed weapon, assassination |
| Blade shape | Wide, triangular | Double-edged, leaf-like | Narrow, needle-pointed |
| Combat style | Slashing at close range | Balanced thrust and cut | Primarily thrusting |
Legacy
The Cinquedea reflects the Renaissance blend of art and violence. Many surviving examples are richly decorated, embodying the fusion of functionality and artistry in weapon design. It also illustrates a shift in civilian weapon culture in Italy, where urban weapons were increasingly symbolic of wealth, education, and civic pride.
The weapon influenced later short blade designs, but few directly followed its unusually broad shape. Today, the Cinquedea stands as a curious outlier in the development of edged weapons, often admired more for its aesthetic qualities than battlefield performance.
Where to See Original Examples
- Museo Stibbert, Florence –-Houses multiple elaborately decorated cinquedeas.
- Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York – Holds several fine examples, including etched and gilded pieces.
- Wallace Collection, London – Features a few notable specimens with Renaissance decorations.
- Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna – Contains pieces tied to aristocratic Italian families.
Collector’s Guide
What to Look For:
- Blade condition, especially the integrity of fullers and edge.
- Presence of decorative etching, inscriptions, or coats of arms.
- Original fittings and grip materials (many have been replaced or restored).
- Provenance and association with known armouries or noble houses.
Typical Auction Prices (2020s–2024 estimates):
| Condition/Features | Price Range (£ GBP) |
|---|---|
| Basic, undecorated examples | £4,000 – £8,000 |
| Etched or inscribed blades | £10,000 – £20,000 |
| High-quality museum-grade pieces | £25,000 – £70,000+ |
| Provenanced or historically-linked | £75,000 – £150,000+ |
Note that prices fluctuate with rarity, condition, and auction house reputation. Cinquedeas with etched mottos, civic crests, or noble arms typically fetch higher prices.
The Cinquedea remains a symbol of the Italian Renaissance’s dual obsessions: aesthetic excellence and the ever-present shadow of violence in civic life. Its unique form has no true modern equivalent, yet it continues to attract interest from collectors, historians, and weapon scholars alike.
