An Exhibited Vampire Slayer Crucifix Dagger, 19th century

This crucifix dagger works double time for the blade is silver styled; silver being known in vampire mythology to have a unique effect upon vampires when it comes in contact with their skin. Not only does it burn, but it also has a paralyzing effect, making it so a vampire cannot pull the silver off of itself. Furthermore, the wooden crucifix handle, in vampire folklaw, repels the vampire as a holy symbol of faith from Christianity and could also act as a stake, if necessary.  

The iconography at the front, carved in raised relief, is telling:  center, we see Jesus suffering on the cross, Mary Magdelaine below him, a sword piercing her heart and above him, an anguished John the Baptist.

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: Wood, steel

Dimensions: 13.5 x 4 inches (34 x 10 cm)

Condition: Intact and in very good condition overall.

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