Introduction: I have often said that Arms and Armor are the most undervalued art in the world. In my opinion, it sells for about 5% of its actual value compared to other art forms. Let’s take this concept one step further. Dollar for dollar, the best buy in arms and armor are staff weapons! Staff weapons can be used to decorate in front of windows in your armory, which would otherwise be unused space. I have attached a picture to illustrate my point.

The primary reason staff weapons sell for significantly less than they should is that shipping is extremely expensive due to their dimensions and the additional reinforcement required for the packaging to prevent the haft from breaking during transit. For this reason, many auction houses do not sell them, and many collectors do not buy them. I know people who have had to pay more for shipping than the cost of the staff weapon. In order to set your mind at ease, shipping is free in the US!

The glaive is a slash-and-thrust weapon, very much like a wide saber, but with an approximate six-foot staff to increase its length, leverage, and power. The name glaive is a variant of the Latin “gladius,” translating to “sword,” just like the Roman sword. Variants of the glaive date as early as circa 1250 and were used until the first quarter of the 17th century. Early images are found in the Maciejowski Bible. Although it is a highly effective weapon, the glaive was never used in large numbers on the battlefield or in military formations, such as pikes and halberds.

Discussion: Staff weapons are a great addition to any collection. Staff weapons were so effective that they were used as third-line weapons up to the 19th century. The staff weapon was an essential weapon of the Middle Ages for multiple reasons:

1) When properly used and deployed, staff weapons have a significant advantage related directly to their length. The pole of a staff weapon can range from 5 feet in length to as much as 16 feet in length. The staff weapon enables the user to be out of the reach of many shorter weapons, such as swords. This reach advantage allows the man-at-arms to effectively attack without needing to defend himself from attacks.

2) Staff weapons, such as pikes, could be used to halt the cavalry charge, which was one of the most devastating strategies employed during the Medieval and Renaissance periods.

3) Since much of the staff weapon is made from wood, they were inexpensive and easy to manufacture, making them a practical choice to arm many men quickly at a low cost. In addition, if the pole broke, the head could be reused on a new wooden pole. Because the design of the head was relatively simple, they could be made by a village blacksmith.

4) Staff weapons are easy to use, requiring relatively little training to become competent in their use.

5) Staff weapons could be multipurpose weapons. For example, a halberd is an axe with a spear and fluke to dismount a knight from his horse.

6) Staff weapons require the use of multiple large muscles; therefore, the body fatigues more slowly than with some other weapons. Less fatigue in battle provides a substantial advantage during a pitched battle that could last days.

7) Since staff weapons are long and provide leverage, they generate high-impact, deep penetrating strikes.

8) Some staff weapons were actually farming implements available for immediate use by an owner familiar with their use.

9) Due to the similarities between staff weapons, military formations with large numbers were easy to coordinate, thereby maximizing the army’s effectiveness.

Approximate length: 228 cm.