An Exhibited Vampire Slayer Dagger with Sheath, 19th - early 20th century

The silver-styled blade is of elongated triangular form with a groove on either side and foliate engraving at the base. The carved resin handle with a two-toned swirl grip. The brown leather sheath with a silver end cap and silver sheet around the opening.

Until the early 20th century, many people believed vampire stories were true. Across cultures and continents, the powers of vampire-like ghouls were blamed for phenomena for which there was no medical explanation, such as the spread of disease or what happens to the human body after death. One of the 19th century’s most intriguing mysteries involves the. manufacturing and selling of vampire-slaying accouterments. People could choose the necessities to vanquish vampires: stakes, knives, hammers, crucifixes, bibles, and holy water. While the origins of this vampire equipment continue to be shrouded in mystery, recent historical evidence suggests that such tools became popular in Western Europe after Bram Stroker published his novel “Dracula” in 1897, captivating audiences with romantic tales of gothic horror. Individuals who were superstitious about traveling to Eastern Europe would only embark on the journey if they were armed with vampire-slaying essentials, such as this example.

Medium: Steel, leather, resin

Dimensions: 14.5 x 2 inches (37 x 5 cm); Blade length: 6 inches (15 cm)

Condition: Some minor wear and cracking to the leather sheath, otherwise intact and in very good condition overall.

Provenance: Deaccessioned from the Vampire & Paranormal Museum Collection (VPMC), Lambertville, New Jersey, thereafter a private NJ collection.