The historical mystery of a lost Ottoman dagger, believed to belong to King Henry VIII, has captivated historians. Initially owned by Horace Walpole, the dagger vanished after passing to Charles John Kean. Dr. Silvia Davoli began a quest to trace its whereabouts, discovering six similar daggers in various prestigious collections worldwide. The exhibition, 'King Henry VIII's Lost Dagger,' will showcase the Welbeck Abbey and Vienna examples alongside 18th-century related materials, emphasizing their craft and diplomatic context, opening on 1st November at Strawberry Hill.
The dagger, once thought to have possibly belonged to King Henry VIII, ended up in Horace Walpole's possession, showcasing the historical fascination with Ottoman armaments.
Dr. Silvia Davoli's research led to the discovery of six nearly identical daggers across various locations, shedding light on their shared historical significance.
The upcoming exhibition will feature two notable examples of these daggers displayed together for the first time, highlighting their rich craftsmanship and diplomatic history.
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