Good photos are the basis of every assessment, because they stand in for a look at the piece. With a smartphone, daylight and a little patience they work even without equipment.
Photograph in daylight on a light, plain background, keeping the image sharp and avoiding flash. Show the whole piece, then details of the assembled parts and markings in raking light. Do not clean the object beforehand or edit the photos.
The best light is bright daylight by a window, preferably without direct sun. A light, plain cloth or a sheet of cardboard works as a background. The background should be calm so that the piece is the focus.
Do without the flash: on metal it creates reflections that hide details. Hold the smartphone or camera vertically above the piece, tap the spot you want to focus on and hold steady, or use the self-timer.
Raking light is light that falls flat across a surface from the side. Raised and recessed areas then cast small shadows. Maker’s marks, stamps and inscriptions that disappear in frontal light become legible.
Place the piece by the window or under a lamp so that the light grazes the blade flat from the side. Turn the piece or the light source and photograph from two or three light directions.
Not every view is necessary for every piece, but each can help. The full photo checklist and contact channels are listed under Sell a dagger.
| View | What to look for |
|---|---|
| Overall view, front and back | The whole piece in the picture, with space around the edge |
| Blade, both sides | From the point to the crossguard, also in raking light |
| Base of the blade (ricasso) | Marks, stamps and inscriptions, close and sharp. More under Makers and marks. |
| Crossguard | From the front, the back and the side |
| Pommel | Close-up from above and from the side; leave it assembled |
| Grip | From two directions, wrapping and seams clearly visible |
| Scabbard | Both sides, complete |
| Fittings, chape, suspension rings | As a detail, especially screws and transitions |
| Accessories and papers | Hanger, papers, labels, letters |
| Problem | Usual cause | Remedy |
|---|---|---|
| Bright patches on metal | Flash or lamp directly from the front | Switch the flash off, use daylight, bring the light in from the side |
| Blurred details | Camera shake or too little distance | Hold steady or use the self-timer, step back a little and zoom in, tap on the spot |
| Mark not legible | Frontal light swallows shallow impressions | Raking light from several directions |
| Hard shadows | Only one light source from above | Place a light sheet of cardboard opposite the light source as a reflector |
| Colours look wrong | Mixed artificial light | Use daylight only |
Any current smartphone is enough if the light and sharpness are right.
For photos of the blade, yes, but only if the dagger comes out easily and without force. If it is stuck, leave it in the scabbard and photograph what is visible.
No. Do not take anything apart. If parts are missing or cannot be seen, we will tell you in our reply what else helps.
Start with overall views and clear details. We can then discuss which additional photos would be useful.
Use the contact channels for your photo inquiry. We will respond with an individual assessment, free of charge and without obligation.
The shooting tips are editorial practical advice and not taken from a source. Only the note on cleaning is cited.
Have you found an error? Write to us via the contact page.